The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met on Sunday night under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has expressed concern over the safety and security of the large Indian diaspora living in West Asia.
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Amid escalating West Asia tensions and widening conflict, the central government is in touch with Indian missions in the Gulf region to ensure the safe return of stranded Indian nationals as state governments across the country stepped up efforts to assist such residents. Asserting that it was closely monitoring the evolving airspace situation in parts of the region, the civil aviation ministry on Monday evening said IndiGo plans to operate 10 special relief flights from Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) to various Indian cities on March 3.
“IndiGo has planned 10 special relief operations from Jeddah to India on 3 March to facilitate the return of stranded passengers, subject to required approvals and prevailing airspace conditions. IndiGo is coordinating with the Consulate General of India at Jeddah for passenger facilitation,” the ministry said in a statement. The flights from Jeddah will be operated to Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, reported PTI.
On Monday, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre is fully prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region and is in touch with Indian missions abroad to ensure their safety.
In a statement, Joshi said discussions have been held with senior officials of the concerned embassies to facilitate the safe return of those affected by the war situation.
“Whenever Kannadigas and other Indians face distress anywhere in the world, the Central Government has ensured their safe return. Earlier, we brought back those stranded in Ukraine. Wherever Indians are, their safety remains our first priority,” he said.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met on Sunday night under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has expressed concern over the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in the Gulf nations.
The CCS also directed all concerned departments to take necessary and feasible measures to assist Indian nationals affected by the developments.
Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has asked states to keep an eye on “pro-Iran radical preachers giving inflammatory statements” that may result in violence in the wake of the Israel-US attack on Iran, news agencies reported.
The ministry has asked the states to heighten vigilance, as global events might have a domestic ripple effect through rhetorical statements. In a letter circulated to all states on February 28, the Ministry also asked all states and UTs to keep vigil on social media activities of extremists and global terror group handles, reported PTI. The states have been advised to ensure that no law and order issues arise in the country.