Lok Sabha Question No. 2099 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Indians in Conflict Regions
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Zia Ur Rehman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2099

ANSWERED ON- 12/12/2025

INDIANS IN CONFLICT REGIONS

## 2099. SHRI ZIA UR REHMAN

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

(a) whether the Government has reviewed the current condition of Indian nationals in conflict-affected regions across the world, if so, the details thereof;

(b) the steps being taken to ensure their safety and evacuation wherever required; and

(c) whether any new bilateral mechanisms are being planned to strengthen protection   for   overseas   Indians,   if   so,   the   details   thereof,   if   not,   the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a & b) The Government closely monitors emerging adverse situations abroad and issues advisories, as required, to caution Indian nationals to avoid   unnecessary   travel,   follow   safety   guidelines   issued   by   local

authorities   and   remain   in   touch   with   Indian   Missions.   Various communication mechanisms are in place for Indian nationals to reach Indian   Missions/Posts,   including   email,   multilingual   24x7   emergency numbers, social media, toll-free helplines & WhatsApp numbers.

In the event of adverse and emergent situations abroad, the Government undertakes   evacuation   operations   in   coordination   with   all   relevant stakeholders. With a view to swiftly responding to crisis situations faced by overseas Indian nationals, the Ministry has established a dedicated wing named the 'Rapid Response Cell' in 2021.  During such operations, 24x7 control rooms are set up at headquarters and in Missions abroad. The Government provides comprehensive logistical support, including safe shelters,   meals,   local   and   cross-border   movement   and   transportation through special vehicles and evacuation flights on gratis basis.

(c) The Ministry of External Affairs remains in constant touch with its counterparts   through   diplomatic   channels   to   ensure   the   safety   and security   of   Indian   nationals.   The   Government   has   also   been   working towards   establishing   institutional   mechanisms   such   as   Migration   and Mobility   Partnerships   (MMPAs),   Labour   Mobility   and   Labour   Welfare Agreement with destination countries. These Agreements/MoUs, inter-alia, seek to protect labour rights. MMPAs have been signed with Austria, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark and UK and Labour Mobility

Agreements have been signed with Japan, Portugal, Taiwan, Mauritius, Malaysia   and   Israel.   The   Government   is   engaged   in   negotiations   for concluding similar agreements/MOUs with other identified countries like Greece, Switzerland etc. Additionally, Labour and Manpower Cooperation Agreements are also in place with the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Jordan, that provide overarching framework for cooperation on labour and manpower issues. Recognizing the vulnerability of certain migrant groups, especially Domestic Sector Workers (DSWs) and female workers, the Government has implemented specific   protective   measures.   Separate   Memorandums   of Understanding   (MoUs)   and   Agreements   with   Saudi   Arabia,   UAE,   and Kuwait outline safeguards for domestic workers. Further, with a view to prevent   dual   social   security   contributions   and   ensure   portability   of benefits   for   workers,   the   Ministry   has   already   signed   Bilateral   Social Security Agreements with countries such as Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland,   Luxembourg,   Netherlands,   Hungary,   Denmark,   The   Czech Republic, Republic of Korea, Norway etc., and is negotiating with many other countries.

*****