Operation Epic Fury has set off a crisis in West Asia as Iran responds to the US-Israel strikes by way of missile and drone hits on the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and other countries. These Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations have historically been considered safest in West Asia attracting Indians to settle there. Over 9 million (90 lakh) Indians live in the West Asian countries, and have made them their homes. They contribute to a major share of remittances into India, which is however, on a decline in the recent decade. As Iran vows to take revenge for the death of its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the next few days will be crucial for the large community of Indians living in the region.
Published on March 1, 2026