New Delhi: The West Asia region remains engulfed in a violent conflict, with joint Israeli and U.S. strikes targeting Iran, while Iran has launched attacks on American installations in Gulf countries. Reports indicate multiple strikes in civilian areas, including regions near Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab in Dubai, raising safety concerns for expatriates. Indian workers in the Gulf are reportedly living in fear amid the escalating tensions. In response, the central government has opened an assistance center in Delhi and is making arrangements to evacuate Indian citizens if the situation worsens.
According to Ministry of External Affairs data, nearly 9–10 million Indians reside across the Gulf. Key figures include: UAE – 4.33 million, Bahrain – 310,000, Qatar – 830,000, Kuwait – 1.04 million, Saudi Arabia – 2.75 million, Oman – 676,000, Israel – 10,500, Iran – 10,765, Iraq – 17,100, Jordan – 17,050, Lebanon – 3,040. From the Telugu states, Telangana has 1.5–1.8 million residents in Gulf countries, mainly from Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Jagtial, Kamareddy, Nirmal, Rajanna Sircilla, and Hyderabad districts. Andhra Pradesh has around 0.8–1 million Indians in the Gulf, primarily from Kadapa, Chittoor, Kurnool, Nellore, East Godavari, and West Godavari districts.