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India Issues Safety Advisories for Citizens in Gulf and Iran Amid Rising Tensions

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. izens-in-gulf-and-iran-amid-rising-tensions.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, February 28th 2026 at 12:27 GMT by Telangana Today
      Locales: INDIA, IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF), KUWAIT, OMAN, QATAR, SAUDI ARABIA, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, BAHRAIN

New Delhi - February 28th, 2026 - Indian embassies and consulates across the Gulf region and in Iran have issued heightened safety advisories to Indian citizens residing and working in those countries, following a significant escalation in regional tensions. The advisories, released today, urge vigilance, close monitoring of local developments, and proactive registration with Indian diplomatic missions.

This move comes on the heels of a concerning series of events, including Iran's recent missile launches targeting Israel - a direct response to the attack on its consulate in Damascus. This retaliatory action has fueled anxieties throughout the Middle East, prompting numerous countries, including several Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, to issue similar cautions to their own citizens.

The Indian government is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of the estimated 8.4 million Indians living and working in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Iran. These individuals represent a significant demographic, many employed in vital sectors such as construction, healthcare, oil and gas, and domestic work. Their contribution to both the host economies and the remittance flow back to India is substantial, making their safety a top priority for New Delhi.

The current advisory specifically requests Indian nationals to "remain vigilant and monitor local developments." This is a broad directive intended to encourage situational awareness and a degree of self-protection. Given the unpredictable nature of the escalating conflict, it's critical for Indian citizens to be aware of their surroundings, avoid potentially volatile areas, and heed any instructions issued by local authorities.

Beyond immediate awareness, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is strongly urging all Indians in the region to register their presence with the nearest Indian embassy or consulate. This registration, conveniently facilitated through the MADAD portal ([ https://madad.gov.in/ ]), allows the government to maintain accurate records and establish effective communication channels in the event of an emergency. The MADAD portal, established several years ago, has proven invaluable in previous crisis situations, enabling swift assistance and evacuation efforts.

"Registration is not just recommended, it's crucial," stated a senior MEA official. "It allows us to locate and contact our citizens quickly if the situation deteriorates, providing timely information and, if necessary, arranging for evacuation."

The MEA has also established a dedicated 24x7 helpline to provide assistance and respond to queries from Indian citizens in the Gulf region. Details of the helpline number are being widely circulated through embassy websites, social media channels, and Indian media outlets. This helpline will function as a central point of contact for Indians seeking information, reporting incidents, or requiring consular assistance.

The situation is being closely monitored by a crisis management team within the MEA, which is in constant communication with Indian missions in the region. The government is preparing contingency plans, including potential evacuation strategies, should the security situation worsen significantly. While no immediate evacuation orders have been issued, the MEA is proactively assessing the feasibility of such measures and identifying potential evacuation routes and resources.

Experts suggest that the current escalation stems from a complex web of geopolitical factors, including the ongoing conflict in Yemen, regional power struggles, and the broader tensions between Iran and its regional rivals. The attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, widely attributed to Israel, served as a major catalyst, prompting the current cycle of retaliatory actions. The risk of further escalation remains high, with the potential for the conflict to expand and draw in other regional actors.

For Indian citizens in the Gulf and Iran, adhering to the safety advisories and registering with the Indian missions are paramount. Maintaining regular contact with family and friends back home, and staying informed through reliable news sources, are also essential. The Indian government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens abroad, and is actively working to navigate this challenging situation.