India advises stranded foreigners to seek relief
In view of widespread flight cancellations triggered by the escalating security situation in West Asia, the Government of India on Sunday advised foreign nationals currently in the country to approach the relevant authorities for visa extensions and assistance in regularising their stay.
Hundreds of flights across the Middle East and other regions, including India, have been disrupted following airspace restrictions imposed after coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on Saturday. According to the civil aviation ministry, Indian carriers are expected to cancel as many as 444 international flights on March 1 as a result of airspace restrictions and safety concerns in the region.In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged foreign nationals whose travel plans have been affected to contact their nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
“All foreign nationals in India, who have had to change their travel plans due to the ongoing developments in the West Asia region and need assistance with extension of their visa or to regularise their stay, are requested to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office,” the ministry said.
The MEA added that FRROs concerned would provide necessary assistance on a case-by-case basis. However, authorities have not yet indicated how many foreign tourists or business travellers may be stranded in India due to the cancellations.
Nearly 3,000 Indian students are reportedly stranded in Iran amid the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, with around 2,000 of them from Jammu and Kashmir. Of these, an estimated 1,100-1,200 students remain in high-risk conflict zones.
Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, said a formal letter has been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an immediate evacuation operation.
Several students described a grim situation on the ground, reporting frequent air strikes, internet disruptions, and closure of universities and hospitals. One student in Tehran said the uncertainty and ongoing strikes have left them fearful, calling for a “quicker and clear evacuation.” Another said airspace restrictions have made departures impossible despite advisories.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised students to move to safer areas and remain indoors. However, with Iranian airspace currently shut, evacuation efforts face significant logistical hurdles.
Meanwhile, Indians are also stranded in parts of the Gulf. In the UAE, over 700 travellers from Madhya Pradesh remain stuck in Dubai and Sharjah due to flight cancellations. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait said it is assisting nationals affected by temporary airspace closures and is coordinating with local authorities and airlines.The situation continues to evolve as tensions rise across the region.
