Context:
Escalating conflict between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. (Feb 2026) has severely affected Indian expatriates in the Gulf region.
Key Highlights:
- Conflict Developments
- Joint U.S.–Israel attack on Iran followed by Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in GCC countries.
- Attacks extended to Strait of Hormuz, affecting global oil routes.
- Impact on Indians Abroad
- 90 lakh–1 crore Indians in GCC exposed to risks.
- Thousands stranded due to flight disruptions.
- 5 Indian sailors killed in tanker attacks.
- Surge in essential goods prices in Israel.
- Diplomatic & Administrative Challenges
- Evacuation complexity due to large diaspora size.
- Issues in accessing Indian missions reported by stranded citizens.
- Variations in host country support mechanisms.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Strait of Hormuz: Key oil chokepoint (~20% of global oil trade).
- Iron Dome: Israel’s missile defense system.
- Expatriate: Citizen living outside their home country.
- GCC Countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Highlights vulnerability of Indian diaspora in conflict zones.
- Need for robust evacuation policies (e.g., Operation Ganga-type models).
- Impact on India’s energy security and remittances.
- Changing West Asia geopolitics and U.S. credibility concerns.
- Way Forward
- Develop real-time diaspora tracking and crisis response systems.
- Strengthen bilateral agreements for citizen protection.
- Diversify energy import routes and reserves.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS II: International Relations, Diaspora
- GS III: Internal Security, Energy Security