THE Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that more than 1,200 Indian nationals have been safely evacuated from Iran amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the evacuation is being carried out through Armenia and Azerbaijan with the Centre closely coordinating efforts on the ground. According to Jaiswal, “Some 1,200 Indian nationals have been evacuated out of which 845 are students.” He added, “996 moved to Armenia and 204 to Azerbaijan from where they are being helped by the MEA.”

 

The spokesperson said the Ministry has been working closely with Indian missions and local authorities in both Armenia and Azerbaijan to ensure the safe return of citizens. He noted that arrangements are in place to assist evacuees in transit before they are brought back to India. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with global leaders to address key international developments, including the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Speaking about these engagements, Jaiswal said, “The Prime Minister is currently engaging in discussions with leaders from various nations across the globe. In this context, on March 28th, the Prime Minister held talks with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During this conversation, views were exchanged regarding the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

 

The Prime Minister condemned the attacks targeting energy infrastructure in that region. Both leaders also discussed free navigation and keeping shipping lanes open. Over 6 lakh passengers have returned to India from the West Asia region amid the developing security situation. as the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran enters its second month. The MEA also provided an update on the Indian national injured in the UAE on Wednesday and underlined that the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region remain the government’s utmost priority. Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, shared the update during the inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital. Mahajan said, “Since February 28th, around 6,24,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India. Airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights based on operational and safety considerations between the UAE and India. Around 90 flights are expected to operate from the UAE to various destinations in India today.”

 

 

THE Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday said that six Indian ships carrying products like LPG, LNG, have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz so far as New Delhi remains in touch with Iran and other countries for safe transit of Indian ships amid the ongoing conflict in the region. Addressing a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also confirmed India’s participation in a meeting on Strait of Hormuz being hosted by the UK later on Thursday. When asked whether Indian Government is in talks with Iran and other nations for expediting the movement of 18 Indian-flagged vessels carrying crude oil and LPG that are stranded in the Persian Gulf, Jaiswal responded, “We are in touch with Iran and other countries there to see how best we can get unimpeded transit and safe transit for our ships which are carrying products, including LPG, LNG and other products.” The ongoing conflict in West Asia has raised concerns over regional stability and global energy markets, particularly due to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route. When asked about certain reports which mentioned that India is paying toll for transit of Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz, Jaiswal responded, “We had clarified this issue earlier as well. There has been no discussion of this nature between us and Iran.” Last month, Iran announced that it will not impose restrictions on vessels belonging to five “friendly” countries, including India, allowing them to pass through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz even as access remains limited for others.