Over 95,000 Indians brought back from war-torn, disaster hit nations in last two years

As many as 95,665 Indian nationals have been brought back from countries affected by war, internal strife, natural disasters as also due to economic slowdown in the Gulf region during the last two years.

As many as 95,665 Indian nationals have been brought back from countries affected by war, internal strife, natural disasters as also due to economic slowdown in the Gulf region during the last two years, the Lok Sabha was told on Wednesday.

Indian citizens being rescued by the navy from Yemen. (HT File/ MEA India)

Asserting that the government accords the highest priority to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad, minister of state for external affairs VK Singh said that during the last two years, the government has undertaken evacuation of Indian nationals from countries affected by war, internal strife and natural disasters.

Graphic shows the number of Indians brought back home

The government has also assisted in repatriation of Indian nationals from abroad for various other reasons including those caught in contingency situations, impacted by economic slowdown in the Gulf region and facing difficulty due to employment related issues, he said in a written reply.

The countries included Nepal (65,000), Malaysia (12,470), Yemen (4748), Oman (3,225), UAE (621) and

Replying to another question, Singh said there were as many as 594 Indians in jails in Gulf countries as on February 2, 2017.