Mumbai, March 3 (NationPress) The Maharashtra government is actively engaged with its citizens stranded in the Gulf nations due to the escalating conflict, as confirmed by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Tuesday.

The CMO's action follows rising tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the US, which have significantly affected Gulf countries, resulting in numerous residents from Maharashtra being stuck in Dubai and other locations.

“Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is in regular communication with various agencies and is maintaining ongoing contact with the central government. He has designated state minister Girish Mahajan to supervise the coordination efforts. The central government is also providing full support to the Maharashtra government. In association with the Indian People's Forum in Dubai, a WhatsApp number has been made available for those needing assistance: +97150 365 4357,” stated the CMO via its X handle.

On Monday, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took proactive measures to ensure the safety and return of these citizens. Following the outbreak of conflict, individuals from various regions of Maharashtra, including Thane, Murbad, Pune, and Ahilyanagar, have sought help from the Deputy CM's office. Among those in urgent need are 84 students from the Indira School of Business Studies in Pune, currently stranded in Dubai.

Deputy CM Shinde has communicated directly with these students through Dr. Sanjeev Paithankar and Somnath Patil of the Brihan Maharashtra Mandal in Dubai. His discussions provided essential reassurance to the worried students and citizens. “Rest assured; Eknath Shinde is here for you during this challenging time. We are making every effort to ensure your safe return to Maharashtra,” he expressed.

Shinde further informed the stranded individuals that the state government is collaborating with the Brihan Maharashtra Mandal to address their immediate necessities, including food and shelter, while they remain in Dubai.

Shinde has personally reached out to stranded groups through video calls to check on their safety and mental health. He has assured them that the state is closely working with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to facilitate their return.

Reiterating the state's dedication, Deputy CM Shinde assured all affected citizens that the Maharashtra government is vigilantly monitoring the situation and coordinating with pertinent authorities for their safe return.

In the meantime, the state administration has directed local district collectors, tehsildars, and talathis (village officials) to compile lists of residents currently in the Gulf. This initiative aids the government in tracking specific groups, including the 84 MBA students from Pune's Indira School of Business and over 40 senior citizens from Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Officials confirmed that notable individuals, such as Jalna MP Kalyan Kale, are among those safe but stranded in Dubai, ensuring that the crisis receives high-level attention. The state government is acting as an intermediary between families in Maharashtra and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai.

The state has also issued a formal advisory urging all Maharashtrians abroad to stay calm, refrain from unnecessary travel, and rely solely on official communications to avoid scams.

Although the UAE government is currently covering hotel accommodations for many stranded transit passengers, the Maharashtra government is coordinating with private travel agencies to ensure that independent tourist groups have access to shelter and food.