India will assist its nationals, including stranded travellers and students in the Gulf nations, following a key decision taken at a high-level security review chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met to assess the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East after the recent US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
Expressing serious concern over the safety of the large Indian expatriate community in the region, the committee decided that the government would extend all necessary assistance to ensure the security and welfare of Indian citizens amid the growing instability.
"The CCS reviewed the difficulties faced by Indian travellers transiting the region and students appearing for scheduled examinations, as well as the broader implications for regional security and economic and commercial activities. The CCS directed all concerned departments to take necessary and feasible measures to assist Indian nationals affected by the developments. It underscored the importance of an early cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy," PIB said in a statement.
As per officials, India is not immediately considering evacuations as airspace remains closed in several countries amid a volatile security environment.
This meeting comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior Iranian leaders.
Iran has launched missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US bases across the Middle East. Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran has dramatically escalated its military response, vowing revenge and launching its own counter-offensive. At the same time, Israel continued strikes against Iran, targeting the Islamic Republic's army headquarters in Tehran.