Middle East Crisis: A 26-year-old man was killed in a suspected missile attack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about the safety of over one crore Indians living in the Middle East, which has turned into a conflict zone after the US-Israel waged war on Iran on February 28. The family of deceased said they were yet to give an official confirmation. Five Indian nationals have lost their lives in incidents linked to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf nations, and one remains missing.

Ravi Gopal from Baghain village in Mahmudabad Police Station limits had been working as a driver in a plastic factory in the Saudi capital since September 2025, his family said. Ritu, his wife, said Ravi last spoke to the family on March 18 around 9.30 pm.

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According to the family, they were informed about Ravi's death the next day by his friend Ram Niwas, a native of Barabanki who also works in Saudi Arabia.

What Authorities Said About The Death

At an inter-ministerial briefing, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Aseem R Mahajan, said on Friday that the government had received information late on March 18 regarding the "tragic demise of an Indian national" during an attack in Riyadh, though he did not elaborate on the circumstances.

What Measures Has Government Taken To Ensure Safety Of Indians?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have been constantly in touch with the heads of state of the Gulf nations, expressing their concerns for the safety of the Indian diaspora in the war zone. PM Modi spoke with leaders from eight countries in the Middle East over the last 48 hours in the first week of the war.

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Here Are Highlights Of Steps Taken By The Indian Government:

  • The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region. The safety, well-being and security of the Indian community remain the highest priority.
  • A dedicated MEA control room remains operational, and coordination continues with State Governments and Union Territories.
  • Indian Missions and Posts across the region are functioning round the clock, operating 24×7 helplines, maintaining contact with Indian community organisations and issuing regular advisories.
  • Missions remain in touch with local authorities and are extending assistance to stranded Indians, students, seafarers and short-term visitors, including visa support, logistical assistance and transit facilitation.
  • In the UAE, airspace was temporarily closed. Indian Missions assisted Indian to catch their filghts amid limited non-scheduled flights operations.
  • Flights continue to operate from Saudi Arabia and Oman to various destinations in India.
  • Qatar airspace remains partially open, with three flights operated to India on 16 March 2026.
  • Kuwait airspace remains closed since 28 February 2026. Special non-scheduled flights by Jazeera Airways are expected to operate from Al Qaisumah Airport in Saudi Arabia to India.
  • For Indian nationals in Bahrain and Iraq, where airspace remains closed, transit through Saudi Arabia continues to be facilitated.
  • The Mission team in Basra continues to assist the 15 Indian crew members who were safely evacuated and are currently staying in a hotel. 
  • The Mission is also coordinating with Iraqi authorities for the early repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased Indian national.

(With PTI inputs)