New Delhi: Approximately 5,98,000 passengers have returned to India in recent weeks, facilitated by government efforts amidst a developing security situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, according to an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Information was available with The Chenab Times that a small number of Indian nationals sustained minor injuries following an incident involving debris from an interception in Dubai. The Indian consulate in Dubai is actively engaged with the affected individuals, providing necessary assistance.
Authorities in Dubai confirmed the incident, which occurred in southern Dubai, resulted in debris falling on residential areas. While the cause was attributed to an interception, official reports indicated that two Indian nationals, one Bangladeshi national, and one Sri Lankan national suffered minor injuries. The MEA noted the consulate’s continuous liaison with them.
Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) at the MEA, addressed an inter-ministerial briefing on the evolving situation in West Asia. He reported that the overall flight connectivity from the region to India is showing improvement, with an increase in operational flights. Mahajan stated that since February 28th, an estimated 5,98,000 passengers have been repatriated from the region to India.
Airlines are continuing to operate a limited schedule of non-scheduled flights between the United Arab Emirates and India, adhering to operational and safety protocols. On the day of the briefing, approximately 90 flights were anticipated to operate from the UAE to various Indian destinations. Flights are also resuming from other key airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to India.
With the partial reopening of Qatar’s airspace, Qatar Airways was expected to conduct between eight to ten flights to India. Airspace in Kuwait and Bahrain remained closed. However, Jazeera Airways of Kuwait and Gulf Air of Bahrain were operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam airport in Saudi Arabia, connecting to several Indian cities.
The MEA also detailed the alternative travel arrangements being made for Indian nationals affected by flight restrictions and airspace closures. Travel from Iran is being facilitated via Armenia and Azerbaijan, from Israel through Egypt and Jordan, from Iraq via Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and from Kuwait and Bahrain through Saudi Arabia. These arrangements are designed to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens.
The Ministry of External Affairs continues to maintain close monitoring of the ongoing developments in the Gulf and West Asia. A dedicated special control room has been established and remains operational to provide support and assistance to Indian nationals and their families. Missions and posts stationed across the affected region are working around the clock, maintaining close contact with local governments to manage the situation and facilitate necessary support.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
