With over 10 million Indians in Gulf countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and others caught in the crossfire of Iranian retaliatory strikes post-US-Israel attacks, India is activating evacuation plans and diplomatic channels for their safety.
Diaspora Distribution and Risks
The community—vital for remittances and sectors like construction, healthcare—numbers 9-10 million in GCC states, plus 10,000 in Iran and 40,000 in Israel. Airport closures in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait strand thousands; missiles hit UAE and Bahrain bases, prompting advisories to avoid movement.
Government Response
PM Modi chaired Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meetings; EAM Jaishankar dialed FMs from Iran, Israel, Saudi, UAE, assuring protections. Operations like Sindhu (evacuated 3,597 from Iran in 2025) gear up, with land routes to Jordan/Armenia considered amid closed airspace.
Energy and Economic Stakes
Half of India’s oil transits Strait of Hormuz; conflict spikes prices, rupee falls. Kerala CM seeks urgent evacuations; J&K students urge PM action. Gulf nations pledge safety amid volatility.
