1 Crore Indians in Gulf Countries: How Safe Are They Right Now?
1 Crore Indians in Gulf Countries: How Safe Are They Right Now?
The Iran war that began on February 28, 2026, has placed nearly 1 crore (10 million) Indian nationals living across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations in an unprecedented situation. While the direct military conflict is between the US-Israel coalition and Iran, the entire Persian Gulf region is affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupted supply chains, and the ever-present risk of escalation.
For Indian families with relatives in the Gulf, the anxiety is real. For policymakers in New Delhi, the challenge is enormous. Here is a detailed, country-by-country assessment of the situation as of late March 2026.
The Numbers: Where Indians Live in the Gulf
India has the largest expatriate population in the Gulf region. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the approximate distribution is:
- United Arab Emirates: 35 lakh (3.5 million)
- Saudi Arabia: 26 lakh (2.6 million)
- Kuwait: 10 lakh (1 million)
- Oman: 8 lakh (800,000)
- Qatar: 7.5 lakh (750,000)
- Bahrain: 3.5 lakh (350,000)
These numbers make Indians the single largest expatriate community in most Gulf states. They work across every sector from construction and domestic work to banking, healthcare, technology, and education.
United Arab Emirates: Relatively Safe but Economically Hit
The UAE, home to 35 lakh Indians, remains the safest Gulf state for Indian nationals at present. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are geographically located on the western side of the Gulf, farther from the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian military positions.
The UAE government has activated its civil defense protocols and maintains one of the most advanced missile defense systems in the region, including the THAAD system provided by the United States. No Iranian missiles have struck UAE territory as of mid-March.
However, the economic impact is severe. Dubai's economy, which relies heavily on trade, tourism, and logistics, has been disrupted. The Jebel Ali port, one of the world's busiest, has seen a sharp decline in shipping traffic. Construction projects have slowed. The tourism sector, which employs thousands of Indians, has virtually collapsed as international visitors avoid the region.
Indian workers in the hospitality and retail sectors are facing layoffs and reduced hours. Some companies have announced temporary salary cuts. The Indian Consulate in Dubai has reported a surge in distress calls from workers who have not been paid.
Saudi Arabia: Stable but Cautious
Saudi Arabia, with 26 lakh Indians, presents a mixed picture. The kingdom is not a direct party to the conflict, but its proximity to Iran and its role as the world's largest oil exporter make it a potential target for Iranian retaliation.
The Saudi military has been placed on high alert. The kingdom's air defense systems, including Patriot batteries, have been deployed across strategic locations. Saudi Arabia has publicly stated that it will not allow its territory to be used for attacks on Iran, attempting to maintain a degree of neutrality.
For Indian workers, the situation in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other major cities remains calm. Schools are open, businesses are functioning, and there have been no reports of direct threats. However, the eastern province, which is closest to Iran and home to Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure, is considered higher risk.
Indian workers in the Eastern Province, particularly those employed in the oil and petrochemical sectors at companies like Saudi Aramco and SABIC, have been advised to maintain heightened awareness. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has pre-positioned evacuation plans for the Eastern Province.
Oman: The Frontline Concern
Oman is perhaps the most concerning location for Indian nationals. The sultanate shares a maritime border with Iran across the Strait of Hormuz. The Omani port of Sohar and the capital Muscat are within range of Iranian naval and missile capabilities.
Oman has traditionally maintained good relations with Iran and has positioned itself as a neutral mediator. However, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has directly impacted Oman's economy and security. The Omani military has been placed on alert, and there have been reports of Iranian naval vessels operating close to Omani territorial waters.
For the 8 lakh Indians in Oman, the situation is tense. The Indian Embassy in Muscat has been the busiest of all Gulf missions, processing evacuation requests at an unprecedented rate. Indian Navy ships have been conducting evacuation runs from Muscat and Sohar.
The Indian community in Oman includes a large number of long-term residents, some of whom have lived there for generations. Many are reluctant to leave, but the embassy has advised all non-essential Indian nationals to consider voluntary evacuation.
Qatar: Isolated but Stable
Qatar, home to 7.5 lakh Indians, occupies a unique position. The tiny peninsula state hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base, which has been a key staging area for Operation Epic Fury. This makes Qatar both strategically important and potentially a target.
However, Qatar's relationship with Iran has historically been more cordial than other Gulf states. Qatar shares the world's largest natural gas field with Iran (the South Pars/North Dome field), giving both countries an economic incentive to avoid direct conflict.
The Qatari government has invested heavily in civil defense and has assured expatriate communities of their safety. Indian workers, many of whom are employed in World Cup legacy infrastructure maintenance and the energy sector, report that daily life continues with relative normalcy, though with an undercurrent of anxiety.
Kuwait: Historical Echoes
For Kuwait's 10 lakh Indians, the current crisis carries uncomfortable echoes of 1990. Kuwait was the site of India's previous largest evacuation, and the memory of that crisis remains vivid in the Indian community.
Kuwait is geographically closer to Iraq and farther from Iran, which provides some buffer. However, Kuwait hosts significant US military installations, which could make it a target if Iran decides to strike American assets across the region.
The Kuwaiti government has been proactive in reassuring its expatriate population. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has reported that while there is significant anxiety, the security situation remains stable. Evacuation flights from Kuwait are operating regularly for those who wish to leave.
Bahrain: Small but Vulnerable
Bahrain, home to 3.5 lakh Indians, is one of the more vulnerable Gulf states. The island kingdom hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters, making it a high-value target. Bahrain is also the smallest Gulf state with the least strategic depth.
Bahrain has a significant Shia population, and there are concerns about internal unrest if the conflict escalates. The Indian community, while smaller than in other Gulf states, is deeply integrated into Bahrain's economy.
The Indian Embassy in Bahrain has been particularly active in registering Indian nationals and arranging evacuation flights. The Indian Navy has included Bahrain in its maritime evacuation corridor.
What the Indian Government Is Doing
The Ministry of External Affairs has established a multi-layered response system. A dedicated control room operates 24/7 in New Delhi, with direct communication lines to all Indian missions in the Gulf. External Affairs Minister has made calls to his counterparts in all six GCC nations.
The Indian Navy's Western Naval Command has deployed a significant fleet to the Arabian Sea, including aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. These vessels serve dual purposes: evacuation platforms and a show of force to protect Indian interests.
The government has also activated the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) in all Gulf missions. This fund provides emergency financial assistance to distressed Indian nationals, including air tickets for those who cannot afford evacuation flights.
What Indians in the Gulf Should Do Right Now
The Ministry of External Affairs has issued the following advisory for Indian nationals in Gulf countries:
- Register with the Indian Embassy through the MADAD portal or by calling the embassy directly
- Keep documents ready, including passport, visa, and Aadhaar card
- Maintain an emergency kit with water, food, medications, and cash
- Stay informed through official channels and avoid spreading unverified information
- Follow local authorities' instructions on safety protocols and curfews
- Contact the 24/7 helpline at the MEA control room: +91-11-23012113
For families in India worried about relatives in the Gulf, the MEA has set up a dedicated helpline and the MADAD portal (madad.gov.in) for tracking evacuation status.
The Bigger Picture
The safety of 1 crore Indians in the Gulf is not just a humanitarian concern but a strategic and economic one. Gulf remittances contribute over $110 billion annually to India's economy. A large-scale disruption to this flow would have cascading effects on millions of families, particularly in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Rajasthan.
The current crisis also raises fundamental questions about India's relationship with the Gulf and its ability to protect its citizens abroad. While Operation Vatan has been impressive in scale, the sheer number of Indians in the region means that a full evacuation, if needed, would be an unprecedented logistical challenge.
For now, most Indians in the Gulf are safe but anxious. The coming weeks will determine whether this crisis becomes a manageable disruption or a full-scale humanitarian emergency.
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