EVACUATION EFFORTS UNDERWAY FOR TELUGUS STRANDED IN GULF
Nearly 200 Telugus are reportedly ready for repatriation from Bahrain, with state officials pushing for immediate special flights from Dammam. The Andhra Pradesh government is actively coordinating with the central government and Indian embassies to facilitate the return of its citizens caught in the escalating conflict in West Asia. Officials have identified 58 individuals stranded in Bahrain, and a broader list of approximately 200 Telugus prepared to come home is in circulation.
Requests have been lodged with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to operate a special flight from Dammam to New Delhi as soon as possible. This move comes as Gulf Air has commenced special evacuation flights from Dammam to various destinations, including Larnaca, Cairo, and New Delhi. The Indian Embassy is compiling a comprehensive list that also includes individuals from other Indian states awaiting evacuation.
Read More: Andhra Pradesh Police named Best State Commando Unit in India on 28 February 2026
STATE GOVERNMENT MOBILIZES RESOURCES FOR STRANDED CITIZENS
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to ensure the safe return of Telugu people across several affected Gulf nations. The state government is collaborating with the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS) to arrange temporary accommodation and provide assistance, often through local Telugu families acting as coordinators. The APNRTS website has been designated as a source for updated information regarding the ongoing situation.
The Chief Minister's office has confirmed continuous oversight and coordination efforts to safeguard the interests of Telugus abroad. Directives have been issued to APNRTS to extend all necessary support to those impacted by the disruptions. Minister for NRI Empowerment, Kondapalli Srinivas, stated that the state government is closely monitoring regional developments, particularly in light of flight cancellations and inconveniences at certain international airports.
CONTROL ROOM ESTABLISHED AMID ESCALATING CONFLICT
A 24x7 control room has been established at the Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in Delhi to manage the crisis. This facility is actively assessing developments and taking precautions. The state government has also reached out to an estimated 100 non-resident Indians from Andhra Pradesh reportedly stuck in Iran.
Read More: Andhra Pradesh Fills 9,000 Health Jobs in 20 Months, Costs ₹350 Crore Annually
BROADER POLITICAL CALLS FOR ACTION
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has urged the Central Government to expedite the safe evacuation of migrant workers from the state residing in Gulf countries. He emphasized the need for urgent coordination between the state and central governments and called for the establishment of dedicated control room and helpline numbers in Andhra Pradesh to provide regular updates and assistance to concerned families. He noted that thousands from Andhra Pradesh are employed in Gulf nations and are now facing uncertainty and security risks.
BACKGROUND
The intensified tensions in West Asia, involving Israel and Iran, have led to significant disruptions in international travel and heightened security concerns for citizens of various countries working or residing in the region. Airlines have begun operating evacuation flights, and diplomatic missions are working to assist their nationals. The Andhra Pradesh government's proactive measures reflect a broader national effort to ensure the safety of Indians abroad during periods of geopolitical instability.
Read More: Andhra Pradesh 2024-25 revenue deficit goes over limit, borrowing costs may rise