Top Cabinet Panel Reviews Conflict, Focus on 9 Million Indians in Middle East
The meeting took place amid rising military tensions following coordinated airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iran, after which Tehran responded with counterattacks.
Amid the rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security yesterday evening.
The main issue discussed was the safety of the approximately 9 million Indian expatriates living and working in the Middle East.
The three-hour meeting took place at a time when the US and Israel jointly carried out airstrikes on Iran, and Tehran responded by bombing US allies in the Gulf, including Qatar and Dubai, further escalating the conflict.
India’s highest decision-making body, the Cabinet Committee on Security, was briefed in detail on the military developments that have brought the region to the brink of a major conflict.
The committee expressed serious concern about the vulnerability of the Indian community in this situation.
In addition to physical safety, it also reviewed the logistical challenges faced by Indian citizens.
These challenges included the cancellation of 350 international flights of Indian airlines yesterday due to the closure of airspace in 11 countries. Concerns were also raised for Indian students taking important examinations in the region.
The Committee assessed the potential disruption of maritime trade routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital to India’s energy security and commercial activities.
Prime Minister Modi spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, over the phone and conveyed India’s concerns.
In a post on X, he said, “I spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone to discuss the current situation in the region. I conveyed India’s concerns over recent developments and emphasized that the safety of civilians is the highest priority. India reiterates the need for an early end to hostilities.”
Earlier, he spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whom he called “my brother.”
The UAE capital, Dubai, has been attacked, as Iran has sent a strong message to America’s allies in the region.
He said, “I spoke with my brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. I strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and expressed grief over the deaths in these attacks. India stands with the UAE in this difficult time.” “Thanked them for taking care of the Indian community living in the UAE. We support de-escalation of tensions, peace, security, and stability in the region.”
The Cabinet Committee on Security directed key government departments to take all possible measures to assist Indian citizens affected by the turmoil.
While the government is preparing emergency evacuation plans for any emergency, the official stance remains focused on returning to dialogue and diplomacy.
The Ministry of External Affairs has already activated 24/7 helplines at its missions in Tehran, Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
As the region continues to be in turmoil, New Delhi’s primary focus remains a delicate balance: advocating for stability in the region to prevent global economic shocks while protecting its citizens abroad.
