Came in search of work, searching for bunkers: Indians in Gulf plead for help

The Middle East is burning following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, and thousands of Indians, including tourists, students and workers, are stranded amid airspace closures and the ongoing conflict. Appeals from Indian citizens have flooded social media, with many urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to evacuate them. The MEA has issued emergency helpline numbers for Indians in affected countries, providing support for medical emergencies, security, and evacuation queries.

"I came here for a livelihood, but I am now seeking bomb shelter. I request Modi Ji and the Indian government to evacuate us from here," posted a worker in Dubai on an Instagram Reel.

Tourists are also stuck in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and MBA and medical students in the Middle East are also posting videos on social media, seeking help from the Indian government. There are over 9 million Indians in the Middle East, most of them workers who migrated to the Gulf countries in search of a livelihood.

Amid missiles raining even in places that are top global tourist destinations, like Dubai, fear has gripped expatriates as sirens are blaring across Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE.

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Indian students in Iran, particularly medical students in Tehran, have shared emotional videos pleading for help. One female student said: "I'm an Indian student and currently I'm in Tehran. The situation here feels really worse and uncertain. We really don't know what's going to happen next. We're really grateful that the government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs are in discussion for our safety. But in times like these, speed matters a lot... The air strikes are happening and it's getting really worse for us. We just request for the quicker and clear evacuation as soon as possible..."

Another male student from Iran University of Medical Sciences added, "I am a student from Iran University of Medical Science. We are in Tehran right now and missiles are raining here. And we all the students who don't even want to come into this video, so on their behalf too I would like to appeal to Indian government that they should evacuate us as soon as possible..."

It must be noted that there are at least 2,000 Kashmiri students, many studying medicine, currently in Iran. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has written to PM Modi, requesting diplomatic intervention and swift evacuation.

WHAT ARE MEA HELPLINE FOR INDIANS IN IRAN, MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES?

The MEA has released a list of emergency contacts for Indians in the region:

- Ramallah (Palestine): Phone: +970592916418; Email: repoffice@mea.gov.in / cons.ramallah@mea.gov.in

- Doha (Qatar): Phone: 00974-55647502; Email: cons.doha@mea.gov.in

- Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): Phone: 00-966-11-4884697; WhatsApp: 00-966-542126748; Toll Free: 800 247 1234; Email: cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in

- Tel Aviv (Israel): Phone: +972-54-7520711 / +972-54-2428378; Email: cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in

- Tehran (Iran): Phone: +989128109115 / +989128109109 / +989128109102 / +989932179359

- Abu Dhabi (UAE): Toll Free: 800-46342; WhatsApp: +971543090571; Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in / ca.abudhabi@mea.gov.in

- Kuwait: Phone: +96565501946; Email: community.kuwait@mea.gov.in

- Bahrain: Phone: 00973-39418071

- Muscat (Oman): Toll Free: 80071234; WhatsApp: +96898282270; Email: cw.muscat@mea.gov.in / cons.muscat@mea.gov.in

- Jordan: Phone: 00962-770 422 276

- Baghdad (Iraq): Phone: +964 771 651 1185 / +964 770444 4899

In a statement on Saturday, the MEA had expressed deep concern over the developments in Iran and the Gulf.

"India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region. We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians," it said. The ministry emphasized dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and respect for sovereignty.

INDIAN MISSIONS IN GULF COUNTRIES IN TOUCH WITH CITIZENS

Indian missions are in contact with nationals, advising them to stay vigilant and follow local guidance. However, no immediate evacuation plans have been announced due to closed airspace, with fighter jets, missiles, and drones active in the region.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, under Minister K Ram Mohan, reviewed preparedness on Saturday. Airports in India are on alert for diversions and passenger needs. The ministry is coordinating with the MEA for any emergencies involving Indian carriers or nationals.

Over 10,000 Indians live in Iran alone. Major airlines like Air India and IndiGo have suspended flights to the region. Carriers are monitoring advisories and Notice to Air Missions (NOTAMs) for re-routing.

Political leaders have joined the calls for action. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Kultar Singh Sandhwan urged PM Modi to evacuate citizens, especially Punjabis, from conflict zones. They requested a special airlift once routes reopen.

Nearly 90 people from Pune—84 MBA students and four faculty members—from Indira School of Business Studies, stranded in Dubai after a study tour. They were shifted to a hotel and are safe, according to officials. The group was due to return over the weekend but couldn't because of airspace closures.

The crisis in the Midle East intensified following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli attack early Saturday. Iran attacked several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, which host American bases.

As the war unfolds, families in India are anxious, hoping for swift government intervention to bring their loved ones home. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and doing the best that is possible.

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