Prime Minister Modi Leads Security Meeting Amid West Asia Tensions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a significant meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to address the rising tensions in West Asia following recent attacks. The discussions focused on the safety of Indian citizens in the region, many of whom are currently stranded due to disrupted flight services. With around nine million Indians living in West Asia, the meeting aimed to strategize on potential evacuations and ensure continuous communication through Indian missions. The situation remains critical as the airspace in the region is largely closed, prompting appeals for assistance from those affected.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 2, 2026, 10:45 IST

Cabinet Committee on Security Meeting Overview

New Delhi, Mar 2: On Sunday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the nation's top authority for security and strategic issues. The discussions focused on the escalating tensions resulting from the recent conflict in West Asia.

The meeting was called to evaluate the situation following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which included the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

A source confirmed that while specific details of the discussions were not disclosed, the meeting was significant.

Modi returned to the national capital around 9:30 PM after a two-day visit to Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, just before the CCS meeting commenced.

Key members of the committee, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, were present. They received briefings from senior officials regarding the current situation in West Asia and its potential impact on India.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, along with principal secretaries to the Prime Minister, P.K. Mishra and Shaktikanta Das, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, also participated in the meeting.

It is reported that the safety of Indian citizens residing in West Asia, including those stranded due to the conflict, was a key topic of discussion, along with strategies to manage the situation should it worsen.

Currently, air travel in West Asia is severely restricted, leaving many Indians stranded at airports in Dubai, Doha, and other major hubs. Numerous individuals have taken to social media to seek help from the Indian government.

The meeting also addressed the implications of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for Indian oil carriers, as enforced by Iranian authorities.

Approximately 10,000 Indian nationals live, study, and work in Iran, while over 40,000 are based in Israel. The total number of Indians residing in the Gulf and West Asia is estimated to be around nine million.

India has a history of successfully evacuating its citizens from various global conflict zones, including West Asia.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that Indian missions in the region are maintaining constant communication with nationals, and helplines have been established for assistance.