The Indians caught in the crossfire, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• In February 2026, a joint attack by Israel and the U.S. on Iran led to a widespread conflict in West Asia, impacting travel and safety in the region.
• Iran retaliated by targeting U.S. bases in countries including Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain, affecting a large expatriate community, including Indians.
• Thousands of Indians were stranded in the Gulf, including tourists in Dubai and a journalist in Tel Aviv, following flight cancellations and emergency alerts.
• The UAE government offered support to stranded tourists, but implementation varied across Emirates, while prices of essential goods surged in Israel.
• Five Indian sailors died in attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about the safety of Indian nationals in the region.

Detailed Insights:

• The Israel-Iran conflict escalated significantly from previous encounters, such as the 12-day war in June 2025, with Iran fulfilling its promise to retaliate against violations of its sovereignty.
• The conflict highlighted the vulnerability of Dubai, a major international travel hub, and raised concerns about the effectiveness of Israel's Iron Dome defense system.
• Approximately 90 lakh to 1 crore Indian expatriates reside in the GCC countries, making them a significant workforce exposed to the conflict's risks.
• The Indian government issued safety advisories, but challenges remain in evacuating such a large population, and some stranded citizens reported difficulties in contacting Indian missions for assistance.
• The conflict has led to increased skepticism among Arab states regarding the U.S.'s commitment to their security, potentially leading to significant political and security changes in the region.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Expatriate: A person residing in a foreign country.
• Strait of Hormuz: A narrow waterway of strategic importance for oil transportation.
• Iron Dome: A multi-mission system capable of intercepting rockets, artillery, and mortars.