As tensions rise in the Middle East following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, actor Vivek Oberoi, who is in Dubai, shared a message calling for calm and unity and urged people not to panic during the crisis.
In a post on X, the Bollywood actor wrote: “To my extended family in the UAE, I know the headlines may be tough right now, but remember that the foundations of this country are built on peace, resilience and an incredible spirit of togetherness. Although we come from over 200 different nations, we are part of an incredible community that looks at each other as one big UAE family, to the exceptional government of the UAE, I salumodtegovae.” the UAE armed forces their fearless spirit and tireless defense keep every citizen safe and the early warnings issued by @NCEMAUAE are our greatest tool of preparedness.The bond between our nations is a bridge of steel and the safety of every soul is held in the highest regard.
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“To those back home in India: Let’s keep everyone in our prayers. Don’t be a bridge to panic. Look for the source and only rely on verified media. Choose empathy over all else. Truth will always be the strongest shield we have. Send peace and light to every home in the Emirates,” he added.
See the post here:
Indians are stuck in the Middle East
Many Indians are currently in Israel, Iran and other parts of West Asia, and families back home are expressing fears for their safety amid the escalating conflict.
Over the weekend, the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. In response, Iran launched drones and missiles targeting Israel, US military bases in the Persian Gulf and Dubai, a key global trade hub.
As tensions rise with new Iranian attacks in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, India is closely monitoring the situation and focusing on the safety of its roughly nine million citizens living in West Asia.
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Amid rising tensions in West Asia, the Indian government on Monday said it was coordinating with Indian missions across the Persian Gulf to ensure the safe return of stranded nationals as state governments stepped up efforts to help them, PTI reported.
The Civil Aviation Ministry said it was closely monitoring the evolving airspace situation in the region. IndiGo has announced that it plans to operate 10 special relief flights from Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah to several Indian cities on March 3.
“IndiGo has scheduled 10 special rescue operations from Jeddah to India on March 3 to facilitate the return of stranded passengers, subject to requisite approvals and prevailing airspace conditions. IndiGo is coordinating with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to facilitate the passengers,” the ministry said in a statement.
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Since Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to leaders of key Gulf countries, including UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, over phone.
CCS meeting
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) reviewed the situation and highlighted the security concerns of the large Indian expatriate community in the region. The committee also directed all concerned departments to take necessary and feasible steps to help Indian nationals affected by the ongoing crisis.
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Earlier in the day, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Indian government was fully prepared to evacuate Indians stranded in the Persian Gulf and was coordinating with Indian missions abroad to ensure their safety.
He added that talks have been held with senior officials at the relevant embassies to help facilitate the safe return of those affected by the ongoing conflict.
(With input from agencies)
