West Asia War Latest News: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that more than 52,000 Indian nationals have been safely brought back from the Gulf region to India between March 1 and March 7, following the outbreak of war in West Asia. The details were shared on Saturday night as part of the update on situation in West Asia and the Gulf region.
The MEA said that of these, 32,107 passengers travelled on Indian carriers, while the rest were flown by foreign airlines.
The update stated that;
Government of India is continuously monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, especially with regard to the welfare of Indian nationals who have been stranded there during transit or on short duration visits.
All Indian nationals in the region are advised to follow the guidelines of the local authorities as well as the advisories being issued by the Indian Embassy or Consulate in their location. Each of our Embassies and Consulates in these countries have issued detailed advisories and set up 24×7 Helplines that are assisting in addressing concerns on account of the ongoing situation.
The Ministry of External Affairs has also set up a dedicated Special Control Room to monitor and respond to queries from those affected as well as their families. Complete details of all the Helplines are available at: https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/40846/Special_Control_Room_in_MEA
Following the partial opening of airspace across the region in the last few days, Indian and foreign airlines are operating commercial flights, including non-scheduled flights, to enable the return of Indian passengers who were in transit or on short-term visits in these countries. By now, more than 52,000 Indians have availed of these flights and travelled safely from the Gulf region to India between March 1-7, 2026, 32107 of whom have travelled on Indian carriers. More flights are planned in the coming days.
In those countries where commercial flight operations are unavailable, Indian nationals are advised to contact the concerned Embassy/Consulate for information and advice regarding the nearest available commercial flight options.
The safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad is of utmost priority to the Government, which remains engaged with the Governments across the region to work towards facilitating all those in need of assistance, MEA statement said.
The war in West Asia erupted in late February after a dramatic escalation between Israel, the US, and Iran, triggered by targeted airstrikes in Tehran that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior IRGC officials.
Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Israel and American bases across the Gulf, drawing in regional states and destabilising the wider region.
The conflict has disrupted energy flows, heightened security concerns, and created immediate risks for countries dependent on Gulf stability, including India.
