Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reaffirmed its vigilant monitoring of events and robust diplomatic engagements with Gulf countries. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing an inter-ministerial meeting on Monday, outlined key recent developments that highlight New Delhi’s strategic focus on regional stability and citizen safety.
A pivotal moment was NSA Ajit Doval’s two-day visit to the UAE, concluding on April 26. He held talks with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, delivering PM Modi’s personal message and exploring avenues to bolster bilateral ties. The discussions extended to pressing regional issues, signaling India’s intent to navigate the crisis collaboratively.
Just weeks prior, on April 11-12, EAM S. Jaishankar visited the UAE, meeting top leaders and thanking them for prioritizing Indian expatriates’ security during unrest. These back-to-back visits underscore the momentum in India-Gulf relations under PM Modi’s directives.
Additional Secretary Asim R. Mahajan elaborated on comprehensive support mechanisms for over 8 million Indians in the Gulf. A specialized control room in MEA fields inquiries nonstop, while embassies run helplines and engage communities through regular interactions with associations and businesses. ‘We’re in constant touch with local authorities to assist our citizens actively,’ he affirmed.
Priorities include seafarers’ welfare, with missions providing evacuation support and consular help. Travel advisories are updated frequently, covering safety protocols and flight availability. Airspace restrictions are easing: Kuwait and Bahrain offer limited flights, Israel has resumed some services, and Iraq operates minimally. Iran’s skies are restricted, prompting strong travel warnings.
Since late February, 1.319 million travelers have safely returned home. Upcoming restarts by Air India and IndiGo from Qatar promise further relief. On the conflict front, a brief Iran-US ceasefire from April 8 ended without progress after marathon talks, keeping the region on edge. India’s multi-pronged strategy—diplomacy, consular aid, and coordination—ensures its people remain protected.
