New Delhi: Amid the deepening conflict in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to assess the situation, with particular focus on the safety of nearly 90 lakh Indian nationals residing in the region.
The high level meeting lasted three hours and followed a sharp military escalation after coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Tehran responded by targeting American allies in the Gulf, including areas in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, significantly widening the scope of the confrontation.
India’s top decision making body was extensively briefed on the evolving security landscape and the risks posed to the large Indian expatriate community across the Middle East. The committee expressed serious concern over their safety and reviewed the mounting logistical challenges caused by the crisis.
Airspace closures in several countries led to the cancellation of around 350 international flights operated by Indian carriers in a single day. The panel also discussed concerns relating to Indian students scheduled to appear for key examinations and the potential disruption of maritime trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for India’s energy imports and commercial shipping.
Prime Minister Modi held separate telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He conveyed India’s concern over recent developments, stressed that the safety of citizens remains paramount and called for an early cessation of hostilities. He also condemned attacks on the UAE and expressed solidarity, while appreciating efforts to safeguard the Indian community there.
The Cabinet Committee directed relevant departments to take all necessary measures to support affected nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs has activated round the clock helplines at Indian missions in Tehran, Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, even as contingency evacuation plans are kept ready if required.
