Amid US-Iran tensions, Amarinder Singh appeals Centre to ensure safety of Indians in Gulf

Amid spiralling tensions between United States and Iran, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday urged central government to take urgent steps to ensure safety and security of 10 million Indians in Gulf region. region hosts a vast and diverse Indian diaspora employed in almost every sector from petroleum to restaurants.

"India could t afford to simply wait and watch, or to just monitor situation, given rising stakes in view of threats and counter-threats between US and Iran," said Captain Amarinder, in context of External Affairs Ministry's statement that it was keeping a "close watch" on situation.

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Evacuate Indians if necessary

Chief Minister emphasised that Government of India should immediately direct its embassies in Gulf to connect with Indians settled re, and provide all possible help to m in this hour of crisis. Amarinder Singh also asked  Centre to prepare and initiate plans to evacuate all Indians seeking to return back should tensions flare up furr. US and or countries like Great Britain are preparing to evacuate ir citizens anticipating military skirmishes.

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Issue necessary directives to Indians, embassies

Captain Amarinder Singh ted that close geographical proximity of Gulf region to India makes it imperative for Centre to intervene without delay, and issue necessary directions to its missions in West Asian countries and Indian diaspora re. countries in region include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Oman, Iraq and Iran. With conflict showing signs of easing, situation was evidently grave and it would be in interest of Indians to leave Gulf region immediately, CM ded.

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Punjab govt on standby

Referring to large Punjabi and Sikh diaspora also settled in Gulf, CM Amarinder Singh assured that his government would extend all support to anyone wanted safe return back home. Punjab government officials were in direct contact with community re and h been instructed to move swiftly in response to any plea for help, he ded.

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