As the tensions between the US and Iran escalates in the Middle-East, India seems to be feeling the pinch. India has a large population of expatriates living in the region and many of them face an uncertain future after the U.S. assassinated top Iranian general.
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Iran has vowed to retaliate and President Trump warned that U.S. forces would hit back at 52 Iranian targets if Americans come under attack.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered his military to be prepared to deploy its aircraft and ships “at an immediate notice” to evacuate thousands of Filipino workers in Iraq and Iran if violence erupts.
South Korean is contemplating to enhance the security for the nearly 1,900 South Koreans living in Iraq and Iran. Indian foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar, however, said that New Delhi was not planning to evacuate any citizens from the volatile region “yet.”
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Twitter on Sunday that he spoke to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo “on the evolving situation in the Gulf region” and highlighted “India’s stakes and concerns.”
Had a telephonic discussion with Secretary of State @SecPompeo on the evolving situation in the Gulf region. Highlighted India's stakes and concerns.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 5, 2020
He also tweeted that he spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif. “Noted that developments have taken a very serious turn. India remains deeply concerned about the levels of tension,” he said of his conversation with Zarif.
Just concluded a conversation with FM @JZarif of Iran. Noted that developments have taken a very serious turn. India remains deeply concerned about the levels of tension. We agreed to remain in touch.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 5, 2020
Indians are the largest group of expatriates living abroad at 17.5 million, according to United Nations data. Of them, an estimated 3.3 million remain in the UAE, forming for the largest Indian community in the world. The UAE also has the distinction of hosting the largest number of Indian migrants at 3.31 million according to the UN’s International Migration Report (2017).
