External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar disclosed to the Rajya Sabha that as of March 8, a total of 67,000 Indian nationals have come back to India from conflict-affected nations in West Asia. He mentioned that the government has been arranging commercial and non-scheduled flights to bring back Indian citizens whenever airspace restrictions ease. Despite disruptions from the Opposition, Jaishankar assured that efforts are ongoing to support Indians in the region.
In his address, Jaishankar highlighted the Indian Embassy’s efforts in Tehran to aid Indian students and other nationals amidst escalating tensions. He emphasized that steps were taken to relocate Indian students to safer locations outside Iran and assist business travelers in returning via Armenia. The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to issuing advisories to ensure the safety of Indian citizens in Iran and mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s active monitoring of the situation.
Jaishankar also mentioned PM Modi’s engagements with leaders from various countries in the region to de-escalate tensions and secure the well-being of the Indian community. He expressed gratitude for the assurances received from these nations regarding the safety and welfare of Indian residents. The minister underscored the continuous diplomatic communication with the United States and other countries to address the crisis effectively.
