Indian Expats at Risk Amid Gulf Conflict and Travel Chaos
Indian expatriates living and working across the Gulf region are facing an increasingly perilous environment as a series of missile and drone attacks, combined with widespread maritime threats and major flight disruptions, escalate across the Middle East. The recent surge in regional instability has directly impacted the lives and safety of millions of Indian nationals residing in the GCC.
Tragic Casualties in Riyadh and Oman
The human cost of the escalating conflict has been devastating. On October 10, a Houthi projectile struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, resulting in 13 fatalities. Among the victims was 46-year-old Mohammed Yousuf Ali, a seasoned IT professional from Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, who had spent a decade working in the city.
The attack struck while Mr. Ali was waiting for a flight to Medina with his family. The incident left his family in a state of trauma: his son Aman (18) required knee surgery, while his son Wasi (16) suffered the loss of three toes. His wife, Sameera, and daughter, Maryam (11), sustained minor injuries. Indian Ambassador Vipul attended the funeral in Riyadh, while two other Indian nationals remain in intensive care.
In Oman, the danger has shifted to the seas. On October 11, a drone strike hit the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin at the Sohar Anchorage. While nine of the 11 Indian crew members were successfully rescued, two sailors remain missing: Amit Singh (aged 20-25) from Kushinagar and Bir Bahadur Yadav (aged 25-26) from Deoria. The Omani Coast Guard is currently conducting search operations to locate them.
Other recent tragedies include a crane accident in Jizan on October 13, which claimed the life of 27-year-old Kashireddy Rakesh from Telangana, and minor injuries to Indian nationals caused by falling debris in southern Dubai.
Maritime Attacks and Shipping Security
The maritime corridors of the Middle East are under significant pressure. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has highlighted several recent incidents involving vessels with Indian crews:
- MT Valthera: An attack occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, though the Indian crew survived.
- MT ST 3: An October 16 strike targeted this vessel, which was carrying 15 Indian nationals; fortunately, all remained safe.
- MT Petro Dolphin: The aforementioned drone strike near Oman.
In response to these growing threats, the Indian Shipping Ministry confirmed on October 17 that 964 seafarers have already been repatriated to safety.
Major Flight Suspensions and Travel Updates
The instability has forced major airlines to overhaul their flight schedules to high-risk zones. Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and Akasa have announced extended suspensions of flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, lasting until October 24, 2026.
For passengers currently affected by these changes, the following policies are in place:
- Free Date Changes: Passengers who booked on or before October 15 for travel between October 9 and October 25 may be eligible for free date changes until November 10.
- Alternative Routes: Travelers may rebook their journeys from alternative GCC stations.
- Full Refunds: Eligible passengers can claim full refunds for their bookings.
Diplomatic Response and Safety Advice
The Indian government has elevated the safety of the 10 million Indians in the GCC to a national priority. Addressing the UN Security Council on October 16, Parvathaneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative, emphasized this commitment and referenced Prime Minister Modi's proposal for a Seafarers Emergency Support Network.
To ensure the safety of citizens on the ground, Ambassador Vipul has issued critical advice for Indians currently in Saudi Arabia:
- Avoid filming strike footage: Citizens are warned that filming missile or drone strikes could lead to severe legal repercussions.
- Use Embassy Helplines: Nationals are encouraged to utilize official embassy channels for assistance and emergency information.
Amidst the tension, the Indian Navy continues to engage with the diaspora, with the ship INS Sudarshini hosting over 500 diaspora members in Oman on October 16-17 as part of the Lokayan-26 initiative.