West Asia Conflicts: MEA Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R. Mahajan said that flight conditions in the Gulf region are now improving. Since February 28, nearly 300,000 passengers have been brought back to India.

Aseem R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

The Indian government has shared information about Indian citizens who died in the Gulf region amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the Israel-Iran war. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that six Indians have died in the Gulf region so far, while one person is still missing. The Ministry stated that the Indian Embassy is in constant contact with local authorities to ensure the safe return of all Indian citizens.

Indian embassy trying to find missing person: Mahajan

In fact, Aseem R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), addressed a joint press briefing of various central government ministries on Friday (March 20, 2026). During the briefing, he stated that Indian missions in several countries are working closely with the relevant local authorities to locate the missing and assist in the repatriation of the deceased to India.

He said, "Six Indian nationals have died in the Gulf region, and one person is missing in several incidents amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Our Indian embassies in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are in regular contact with local authorities to locate the missing and repatriate the deceased citizens to India."

What is the flight status in the Gulf region?

MEA Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R. Mahajan stated that flight operations in the Gulf region are gradually improving. A significant number of passengers have been brought back to India so far. He added, "Connectivity is gradually improving with the operation of additional flights in the Gulf region. Since February 28, 2026, approximately 300,000 passengers have been safely brought back to India."

He also stated that United Arab Emirates (UAE) airlines are continuing to operate a limited number of flights on an irregular basis, taking into account operational and security considerations for those returning to India. He added that approximately 90 flights are expected to operate to India from various UAE airports today (Friday, March 20, 2026).