Minister Kondapalli Srinivas
About 15,000 visitors from Andhra Pradesh are said to be stranded at various airports across the strife-torn gulf, and the state government is scrambling to ensure they secure their flight home in the next three days.
Empowerment and NRI Relations Minister Kondapalli Srinivas told The Hindu in his chamber at the Secretariat on Wednesday (March 4) that the state government in coordination with the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS) is working closely with the stranded travellers.
He said the government is collecting and maintaining detailed information about all the stranded Telugu people across the country to ensure timely relief. “We are in constant contact with coordinators and volunteers on the ground to provide them with the necessary support, including travel facilitation and local assistance,” the minister explained.
According to Mr Srinivas, most of those stranded were traveling on short-term tourist visas and were caught up in the unfolding conflict. However, he clarified that steps are being taken to extend their visas and the Government of India is providing necessary support to secure their stay and facilitate their return.
The minister also noted that communication with the Telugus currently in Iran has not yet been fully established and efforts are underway to reach out to them through diplomatic and community channels.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is likely to interact with the Telugu diaspora in the Gulf countries on Thursday to take stock of the situation and assure them of the state’s support during the crisis.
Published – 04 March 2026 21:11 IST
