Six Indian nationals have lost their lives and one remains missing in separate incidents across the Gulf region amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.
Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the MEA, Aseem R Mahajan, said Indian missions in the region are working closely with local authorities to trace the missing individual and facilitate the early repatriation of the deceased.
“Six Indian nationals have unfortunately lost their lives, and one is missing in various incidents. Our missions in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, and the UAE are in regular touch with the concerned authorities regarding the missing Indian national and for the early repatriation of mortal remains,” he said.
The MEA also noted that the travel situation in the Gulf region is gradually improving, with a large number of passengers already returning to India.
“Since February 28, around 3 lakh passengers have returned from the region to India,” Mahajan said, adding that additional flights are being operated to manage the situation.
Airlines from the United Arab Emirates continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights, depending on operational and safety considerations. Around 90 flights are expected to operate from various UAE airports to India on Friday alone.
Flights are also continuing from Oman and Saudi Arabia, while the partial reopening of airspace in Qatar has enabled some commercial movement. Qatar Airways is expected to operate 10 non-scheduled flights to India.
However, airspace restrictions remain in place in Kuwait and Bahrain.
To assist stranded passengers, Kuwait Airways is set to begin special non-scheduled flights from Al Qaisumah-Hafar Al Batin Airport in Saudi Arabia, with the first flight scheduled to depart for Kochi on Friday.
Meanwhile, Gulf Air of Bahrain continues to operate special flights from Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport to India, facilitating the movement of passengers amid ongoing airspace restrictions.
The MEA said it remains closely engaged with regional authorities and airlines to ensure the safety and smooth return of Indian nationals affected by the evolving situation.
(ANI)
