Nearly 5,98,000 passengers have safely returned to India since late February amid escalating tensions in West Asia and the Gulf region, a senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs revealed during an inter-ministerial briefing. This figure underscores the scale of India's evacuation operations as the US-Israel-Iran conflict enters its second month, disrupting air travel and regional stability.

The crisis has triggered widespread airspace closures and flight restrictions, yet authorities report improving connectivity. Additional flights now operate from key hubs in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman to multiple Indian destinations, with airlines prioritising safety and operational feasibility.

Today alone, approximately 90 flights are slated to depart from the UAE bound for India. Qatar Airways anticipates running 8 to 10 flights following the partial reopening of Qatari airspace. Meanwhile, carriers like Kuwait's Jazeera Airways and Bahrain's Gulf Air have pivoted to non-scheduled services from Saudi Arabia's Dammam airport.

Kuwait and Bahrain maintain closed airspaces, complicating direct repatriation. To circumvent these barriers, Indian nationals are being routed creatively: from Iran 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.

A dedicated control room in New Delhi operates round the clock, coordinating with Indian missions across the region. These outposts maintain constant liaison with local governments, ensuring swift assistance for stranded citizens and their families.

Tragically, the conflict has claimed Indian lives. The mortal remains of two nationals arrived in India earlier today—one who perished on 11 March aboard the MT Safe Sea Vishnu off Iraq's coast, and another on 29 March in Kuwait. The government has extended deepest condolences to their families, staying in regular contact.

In a recent incident in Dubai, debris from an interception strike fell on residential areas in the south of the city, injuring three Indian nationals alongside one Bangladeshi and one Sri Lankan. Dubai authorities confirmed the minor nature of the injuries; two Indians remain under medical care at local hospitals, while one has been discharged.

India's consulate in Dubai remains closely engaged with the injured and their kin, providing comprehensive support. This prompt response highlights the diplomatic machinery's effectiveness amid the chaos.

The broader conflict, now in its eighth week, pits US-Israel forces against Iran, sending shockwaves through global energy markets. Oil supply disruptions have rippled worldwide, exacerbating economic pressures, while the Gulf's strategic chokepoints face heightened risks.

India's robust expatriate community in the region—millions strong—amplifies the stakes. With over half a million already repatriated since 28 February, the focus shifts to the remainder, many enduring prolonged waits in alternative transit points.

Evacuation efforts blend commercial flights with chartered operations, reflecting adaptive logistics under duress. The Ministry of External Affairs vows continued vigilance, urging citizens to register with Indian missions and heed travel advisories.

As normalcy inches closer with incremental airspace re-openings, the human cost lingers. Minor injuries and fatalities serve as stark reminders of collateral risks in urban centres like Dubai, far from primary conflict zones.

Global repercussions extend beyond aviation: shipping lanes off Iraq face threats, as evidenced by the MT Safe Sea Vishnu incident. India's navy and diplomatic channels monitor maritime safety closely.

Looking ahead, sustained coordination with Gulf allies will prove pivotal. The government's multi-route strategy has mitigated worst-case scenarios, repatriating nearly 6,00,000 amid unprecedented regional turmoil.

ANI