India has successfully brought back nearly 7.88 lakh passengers from West Asia since February 28, following escalating tensions in the region triggered by Israeli–US strikes. With the conflict intensifying and several airspaces remaining closed, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that Indian missions are actively rerouting stranded nationals through alternative neighbouring routes.
Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that while flights continue from countries where airspace remains open, restrictions in Israel, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain have forced India to adopt alternative evacuation corridors.
He explained that Indian nationals are being assisted through multiple safe transit routes: from Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan; from Israel via Jordan and Egypt; from Iraq via Jordan and Saudi Arabia; and from Kuwait and Bahrain through Saudi Arabia. These coordinated efforts have ensured continuous evacuation despite regional instability.
Jaiswal further highlighted that around 7,500 Indian nationals are still in Iran, and the government has issued urgent advisories urging them to exit immediately in coordination with the Indian Embassy. So far, 1,864 Indians — including 935 students and 472 fishermen — have already been evacuated from Iran through land borders with Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The MEA also emphasized the role of a round-the-clock Special Control Room, which is working closely with state governments, local communities, and businesses across the Gulf and West Asia to support stranded citizens.
Meanwhile, in a major diplomatic development, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a proposed two-week ceasefire with Iran, citing progress on military objectives and a possible Iranian proposal for a broader agreement.
Trump stated that discussions with Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, influenced the decision to temporarily halt military action. He also mentioned that Washington had received a ten-point proposal from Tehran that could serve as the basis for a long-term settlement, including conditions related to the Strait of Hormuz.
The evolving situation continues to remain tense, with global attention focused on diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region and ensure the safe return of foreign nationals.
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