New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) late on Sunday evening to review the situation arising from the escalating conflict between the United States-Israel combine and Iran.
At least eight countries in the Gulf region have now been directly affected by the conflict.
According to an official statement, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) reviewed the evolving situation in West Asia, as reported by The New Indian Express.
“The Committee was briefed on the air strikes in Iran on February 28 and the subsequent escalation, including attacks in several Gulf countries. It expressed serious concern over the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in the region”, the official statement added.
The CCS also reviewed the difficulties faced by Indian travellers transiting the region and students appearing for scheduled examinations, as well as the broader implications for regional security and economic and commercial activities, the statement added.
The CCS directed all concerned departments to take necessary and feasible measures to assist Indian nationals affected by the developments. It underscored the importance of an early cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy, it was said.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister carefully examined all available details and sought the views of CCS members on India’s position as hostilities between the parties intensified, sources were quoted as saying.
Officials are said to have outlined preparedness measures to ensure the safety and swift return of citizens, if required. Given India’s longstanding and balanced relations with Iran, the committee deliberated extensively on possible developments in the coming days and the strategic options available to New Delhi.
Discussions were also held on the safe evacuation of Indian nationals from countries in the Middle East that are directly or indirectly involved in the conflict.
India safely evacuated 3,597 Indians from Iran and 818 from Israel in 2025. As per government data shared in Parliament, India evacuated 5,945 nationals from conflict-hit or crisis-affected countries in the Middle East over the past three years.
