West Asia Conflict: India Evacuates 15,000 Citizens from the Gulf as Tensions Escalate

India's emergency evacuation operation from the Gulf region — codenamed Operation Kalam — has entered its active phase, with Air India deploying 45 special flights and the Indian Navy dispatching INS Vikrant and two landing platform docks to bring back citizens.

Over 15,000 Indian nationals have been evacuated so far from Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait, with the External Affairs Ministry setting up 24/7 helplines and dedicated contact centres in all affected countries.

"No Indian will be left behind," said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. "We have the diplomatic channels, the logistical capability, and the political will to protect our citizens."

India's diaspora in the Gulf — estimated at 8.7 million — represents the largest expatriate community in the region. While the majority are in the relatively stable UAE and Saudi Arabia, communities in smaller Gulf nations have expressed concern about escalating military activity.