US-Iran conflict spreads to Gulf, Indian workers caught in crossfire

The escalating US-Iran conflict has reached the Gulf, putting millions of Indian expatriates at risk and threatening economic stability back home. When the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, targeting its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities, missile sites, and nuclear infrastructure, Tehran retaliated with a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones across Gulf skies. While the attacks shook military command centers, their impact was felt most acutely by Indian households in states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, where families rely on income sent home by Indians working in the region.

The Indian community in the United Arab Emirates now numbers nearly 4.4 million, representing about 38% of the country’s population. Concentrated in sectors such as construction, retail, hospitality, and logistics, Indians find themselves in industries that are often the first to shut down during conflicts. Recent attacks in Dubai saw fires erupt at high-profile locations like Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, while strikes also hit Jebel Ali port and Abu Dhabi’s port infrastructure. UAE air defenses intercepted 167 missiles and 541 drones, yet 35 projectiles hit Emirati soil, killing at least three people and injuring 58, including Indian nationals.

In response, India has begun “special flights” to evacuate stranded nationals, though uncertainty remains over the medium- and long-term effects of the conflict. Across West Asia, around 10 million Indians live and work, including 10,000 in Iran and over 40,000 in Israel, making their safety a pressing concern for New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to express solidarity and appreciation for the protection of Indian residents. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also contacted leaders from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Iran, and Israel, urging restraint and prioritizing civilian safety.

The economic implications for India are significant. The UAE is the second-largest source of remittances after the United States, contributing approximately $23 billion in 2023–24, or about a fifth of India’s total inward remittances. More than half of these funds support households’ essential needs, including food, healthcare, and education. Experts warn that rising oil prices due to the conflict could push costs to $120–130 per barrel, inflating India’s import bill while disruptions in the Gulf may reduce remittance flows, straining Indian households from both ends.

The Indian government has issued advisories urging nationals in affected countries to exercise caution, while opposition parties have criticized New Delhi’s approach. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that Modi’s recent visit to Israel, amid intelligence of an imminent US-Israel military strike on Iran, amounted to a “betrayal of India’s values and interests.”

As the Gulf braces for further escalation, the safety of millions of Indian workers and the flow of vital remittances home remain deeply uncertain. Families across India watch anxiously, aware that developments thousands of kilometers away have direct consequences for their livelihoods and well-being.