More the 52,000 Indians have safely returned to the country following the partial opening of the airspace across the Middle East, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a late night statement .

Over 52,000 Indian returned from Middle East

“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,” the MEA said.

“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, 32,107 of whom have travelled on Indian carriers. More flights are planned in the coming days,” it said.

MEA urges Indian nationals to follow guidelines

The Ministry urged Indian national across West Asia to strictly follow guidelines issued by local local authorities and the advisories issued by the Indian missions in the respective countries.

“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,” it said.

According to the MEA, Indian missions in the region have issued detailed advisories and set up 24×7 helplines to assist Indian citizens.

“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 MEA said.

New Delhi monitoring West Asia situation

The MEA further said that India is continuously monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia, especially in the context of the safety of Indian citizens stranded in the region.

“The 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,” the MEA.

It further said that the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad is of utmost priority to the government and it remains engaged with the governments across the region to work towards facilitating all those in need of assistance.

The safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad is of utmost priority to the government and it remains engaged with the governments across the region to work towards facilitating all those in need of assistance, the MEA said.

The security situation in West Asia remains precarious as the US and Israel continue their bombardment of Iranian targets while Tehran retaliates with strikes against Israeli positions and US military bases across the region.