Over 10.97 Lakh Passengers Return to India Amid West Asia Tensions; Tanker Desh Garima to Arrive in Mumbai on April 22
Synopsis
As tensions rise in West Asia, over 10.97 lakh passengers have returned to India since February 28. The Indian-flagged tanker Desh Garima is set to arrive in Mumbai on April 22, providing a glimmer of safety amidst recent shipping incidents.
Key Takeaways
10.97 lakh passengers returned to India since February 28.
Indian tanker Desh Garima is set to arrive in Mumbai on April 22 .
Incidents involving safety of Indian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz .
India is addressing safety concerns with Iranian authorities.
Flight operations from the UAE continue with around 110 flights expected.
New Delhi, April 19 (NationPress) In light of escalating tensions in West Asia, approximately 10.97 lakh passengers have returned to India from the region since February 28. The Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Desh Garima is scheduled to dock in Mumbai safely on April 22, according to government announcements made on Sunday.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is closely collaborating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian diplomatic missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure the safety of seafarers and the uninterrupted flow of shipping operations.
While the confirmed safe journey of Desh Garima provides a sense of assurance, two other Indian vessels—VLCC Samnar Herad and bulk carrier Jag Arnav—were involved in a firing incident during their passage through the Strait of Hormuz within the last 24 hours.
Both vessels have returned to the Persian Gulf following the incident, but fortunately, no crew members sustained injuries.
In reaction to the event, India expressed its concerns to Iran, with the Indian Ambassador summoned for discussions with the Foreign Secretary.
During this meeting, India emphasized the necessity for ensuring the safety of merchant shipping and urged Iranian officials to facilitate the swift movement of vessels bound for India through the Strait.
On the aviation side, flight operations remain active from countries with open airspace, though services are being adjusted according to safety and operational factors.
In the UAE, approximately 110 flights are anticipated to operate between the UAE and India on Sunday, including a limited number of non-scheduled commercial flights.
Flights continue to operate from airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman, while Qatar Airways is set to run between 10 to 11 flights to India in light of the partial reopening of Qatari airspace.
Iran's airspace is also partially accessible for cargo and charter flights, and the Indian Embassy in Tehran has successfully facilitated the evacuation and movement of 2,378 Indian nationals through Armenia and Azerbaijan for their return to India, comprising over 1,000 Indian students and several hundred fishermen.
Point of View
The return of nearly 10.97 lakh passengers amidst rising tensions in West Asia underscores the urgency of ensuring safety in maritime operations and the importance of diplomatic engagement in crisis situations.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many passengers have returned to India since February 28?
Approximately 10.97 lakh passengers have returned to India from West Asia since February 28.
When is the tanker Desh Garima expected to arrive in Mumbai?
The Indian-flagged tanker Desh Garima is expected to arrive in Mumbai on April 22.
What incident occurred involving Indian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz?
Two Indian vessels, VLCC Samnar Herad and bulk carrier Jag Arnav, reported a firing incident while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
How has India responded to the firing incident?
India conveyed its concerns to Iran and held discussions with the Iranian Ambassador to emphasize the safety of merchant shipping.
What is the current status of flight operations from the UAE to India?
Around 110 flights are expected to operate between the UAE and India on Sunday, including limited non-scheduled commercial services.
