Parliament Question: Safety and assistance for Indians in West Asia

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4408 ANSWERED ON – 02/04/2026 SAFETY AND ASSISTANCE FOR INDIANS IN WEST ASIA 4408. SMT. RAJATHI Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) the number of Indian nationals currently residing in conflict zones in Iran, Israel and Gulf countries, country-wise; (b) the number of Indians injured or displaced since the escalation of hostilities in late February 2026, gender-wise and age-wise; (c) the details of 24/7 helplines and emergency centers established by Indian Embassies in these regions; (d) the details of consular assistance sought by Indians in these regions since February 28, 2026; and (e) the status of assistance provided to Indians residing in these regions who are experiencing injury, trauma or displacement due to retaliatory missile strikes? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a to e) Presently, over 1 crore Indian nationals are residing in conflict zones in West Asia and the Gulf region. Country-wise list of Indian community in these regions is attached at Annexure-I. In the recent conflict, as per available information, 7 Indian nationals are reported as deceased (4 in Oman, 1 in Saudi Arabia, 1 in UAE and 1 in Iraq), 1 is reported missing on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman and several others have been injured in Oman, UAE, Qatar, Israel and Saudi Arabia. The injured Indian nationals include mostly males within the age group of 20-60 years. Details of 24x7 emergency helplines established by the Indian Embassies in these regions along with the special control room set up by the Ministry of External Affairs to assist and address the queries from Indian nationals and their families are attached at Annexure-II. The Indian Embassies and Consulates in these regions have been extending regular assistance to Indian nationals on several issues ranging from safety guidelines to emergency helplines, available travel options, medical emergencies, Board examination of Indian students, temporary arrangements of food and shelter, relocation of Indian nationals within and outside the country, cross-border movements, issuance of necessary travel documents viz. tatkal passports, emergency certificates, Police Clearance Certificates etc., guidance on expiring visas, facilitation of transit visas for adjacent countries to embark on the available flights, return to 1India etc. Indian Embassies and Consulates in these regions have been extending regular consular services and emergency assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals amid the prevalent situation. The injured Indian nationals are receiving medical treatment in local hospitals. Indian Embassies and Consulates are in regular coordination with the local authorities and the hospitals for regular updates on the health condition of the injured Indians and extending all required assistance viz. establishing contact with the family members, guidance on available travel options and safe return to India etc. For assistance to deceased Indian nationals and their families in India, Indian Embassies and Consulates are in regular coordination with the concerned local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains to India. 2Annexure-I Country-wise Indian population residing in West Asian and Gulf countries In Lakh Sl. No. Name of country Indian nationals currently residing in West Asia and Gulf countries (approximately) 1 Bahrain 3.15 2 Iran 0.9 3 Iraq 0.37 4 Israel 0.42 5 Jordan 0.18 6 Kuwait 10.60 7 Lebanon 0.015 8 Oman 6.75 9 Palestine 0.0001 (10 only) 10 Qatar 8.29 11 Saudi Arabia 27.48 12 Syria 0.0005 (50 only) 13 UAE 43.26 14 Yemen 0.04 TOTAL 101.4556 3Annexure-II Details of 24x7 Emergency helplines issued by the Indian Embassies and Consulates in West Asia and Gulf Region along with MEA’s Special Control Room Name of country Details of the Control room and 24x7 emergency helplines by MEA and Indian Missions MEA HQ 1800118797 (Toll Free) +91 11 2301 2123 +91 11 2301 4104 +91 11 23 01 7905 Email: situationroom@mea.gov.in Bahrain +973 39418071 +973 38400433 Iran +98 9128109115 +98 9128109102 +98 9128109109 +98 9932179359 Email cons.tehran@mea.gov.in Iraq +964 7716511185 +964 7704444899 (Arabic) Email: cons.baghdad@mea.gov.in Cons1.baghdad@mea.gov.in pol.baghdad@mea.gov.in Israel +972 547520711 +972 542428378 Email: cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in Jordan +962 770422276 +962 786440990 Kuwait +965 65501946 Email: community.kuwait@mea.gov.in Lebanon +961 76860128 Email: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in Oman 8007 1234 (Toll Free) +968 9828 2270 (whatsapp) Email: cw.muscat@mea.gov.in cons.muscat@mea.gov.in Palestine +970 592916418 Email: repoffice@mea.gov.in Cons.ramallah@mea.gov.in Qatar +974-55647502 +974 55362508 +974 55384683 Email: cons.doha@mea.gov.in Saudi Arabia & Yemen Riyadh (EOI, Riyadh is 800 247 1234 (Toll Free) concurrently accredited +966 114884697 to Yemen) +966-542126748 (Whatsapp) Email: cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in 4Jeddah 800 244 0003 (Toll Free) +966 556122301 +966 126648660 +966 122614093 +966 536209704 (Whatsapp) Email: conscw.jeddah@mea.gov.in, vclab.jeddah@mea.gov.in Syria +963 993385973 Email: cons.damascus@mea.gov.in UAE 800 46342 (Toll Free) +971 543090571 Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in ca.abudhabi@mea.gov.in ***** 5