Safety of Indians in Conflict Zones of West Asia Under Threat

As conflicts intensify in West Asia, the safety of Indian workers is at risk, with Punjab and Jharkhand's Chief Ministers calling for urgent rescue operations. At least 370 Punjabis are trapped in the Gulf, prompting officials to coordinate their safe return. The situation has raised alarms, with demands for swift action from the central government to ensure the safety of those stranded. This article delves into the ongoing efforts and the responsibilities of the government in addressing this critical issue.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 6, 2026, 09:39 IST

Concerns Over Indian Workers in West Asia Amid Escalating Conflicts

The ongoing conflicts in West Asia have raised serious concerns regarding the safety of Indian workers who have gone there in search of livelihood. Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has revealed that at least 370 individuals from the state are currently trapped in conflict zones across the Gulf countries. Meanwhile, Jharkhand's Chief Minister Hemant Soren has urged the central government to take immediate action and initiate a rescue operation, reminding them of their responsibility.

According to officials, the Punjab government has deployed two senior officers to coordinate and monitor the safe return of Punjabis stranded in West Asia. A 24-hour helpline has also been established to assist those in need.

Mann stated, 'The Punjab government has identified 370 Punjabis stuck in the Gulf amid ongoing conflicts. We have raised this issue with the central government, and efforts to bring them back are ongoing.' In a similar vein, Jharkhand's Chief Minister Soren emphasized that it is the central government's duty to ensure the safe return of individuals from Jharkhand and other states trapped in the Gulf.

Just a few days prior, Soren had urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take necessary steps to guarantee the safe return of Indians stranded in the Gulf countries.

Soren described the rapidly changing situation in the Gulf as extremely concerning. Speaking to reporters in his ancestral village of Nemra in the Ramgarh district, he reiterated, 'Ensuring the safe return of those stranded in the Gulf is the responsibility of the central government. I have already urged the central government to take swift action to bring back those affected.'