Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that Indians stranded in West Asia due to the ongoing conflict are expected to return home within the next two to three days, reported the ANI.
Speaking during the Budget Session of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, CM Fadnavis stated that the Central government has taken the lead in organising evacuation efforts, while the state government is extending support and maintaining contact with affected citizens.
The Chief Minister said that as soon as airspace closures began following the outbreak of hostilities, distress messages were received from Indians in the region.
“We immediately contacted the Centre and the Ministry of External Affairs. We also reached out to Indian embassies,” he said, as per the ANI.
CM Fadnavis added that Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Girish Mahajan has been assigned responsibility for coordination. A dedicated WhatsApp helpline and advisories have been issued to assist stranded citizens.
The state government is also in touch with Marathi Mandals — community groups of Maharashtrian residents — in several Gulf countries to track the situation on the ground.
Flights gradually resuming
According to CM Fadnavis, some airspaces remain closed due to security concerns, while others have reopened. He said Air India Express is gradually operating flights to bring passengers home.
He noted that in Kuwait, some travellers faced visa-related difficulties. Authorities have since gathered them at a common location and are working to ensure their safety and comfort, as per the ANI.
Centre sensitive to tourists and students
The Chief Minister assured the House that the Centre is handling the matter with sensitivity, particularly regarding Indian students and tourists.
“We discussed bringing back people from Maharashtra, but the Centre advised caution to avoid chaos, as some airspace remains unsafe,” he said, the news agency reported.
He expressed confidence that Indian nationals stranded in the region would be repatriated safely within the coming days.
Conflict enters fourth day
The crisis began on 28 February following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran has since retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting US-linked assets and allies in the region, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, reported the ANI.
Earlier in the day, some Indians stranded in Dubai returned home and described the challenges they faced during the conflict.
(with ANI inputs)
