Bengaluru, MARCH 2: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assured on Monday that the Central Government is comprehensively equipped to evacuate Indians stranded in the Gulf region due to the rapidly deteriorating Iran-Israel conflict, maintaining constant communication with Indian missions abroad to prioritize their safety and swift return.
In a detailed statement addressing growing concerns among families, Joshi revealed that high-level discussions have already occurred with senior officials from relevant embassies to streamline evacuation protocols for those impacted by the ongoing war situation. “Whenever Kannadigas and other Indians face distress anywhere in the world, the Central Government has ensured their safe return. Earlier, we brought back those stranded in Ukraine. Wherever Indians are, their safety remains our first priority,” he emphasized, drawing parallels to past successful operations.
The minister highlighted specific intelligence indicating Kannadigas—among over 8 million Indians in Gulf nations—are encountering hardships from the conflict’s severity, which has triggered widespread missile exchanges, airport closures, and flight cancellations. Urgent consultations with fellow senior ministers are underway to implement protective measures, including potential airlifts or sea routes once feasible.
Reassuring anxious families back home, Joshi urged calm: “There is no need to panic. The government is committed to bringing back all Indians safely.” He cautioned that air travel through war zones remains highly risky, with expert assessments guiding next steps to avoid unnecessary hazards. Efforts are particularly focused on Dubai, where disrupted flight operations have left thousands grounded, alongside similar challenges in UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain.
Joshi’s comments come amid a broader crisis sparked by US-Israel strikes killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, prompting Iranian retaliatory barrages across the Gulf and oil price surges threatening global energy flows. India, heavily reliant on Gulf oil and hosting massive expatriate communities, has activated Operation Safe Return frameworks refined from Ukraine and Sudan evacuations.
The government is coordinating with Gulf authorities, international carriers, and naval assets in the region. Helplines (1800-11-0400) and state control rooms stand ready, with Karnataka’s NRI cell providing localized support. Joshi reiterated: “No one should be anxious. Serious efforts are being made to bring them back safely.” Families are advised to register via embassy portals (madad.gov.in) for priority assistance as operations ramp up.
