Panaji, March 9 As the US-Israel-Iran conflict continues, the Goa government is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and is in contact with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety of the Goan diaspora in the region, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told the Assembly on Monday.
Responding to a calling attention motion moved by BJP MLAs Michael Lobo and Ulhas Tuenkar during the ongoing Budget session, Sawant said the state government is maintaining a cautious watch on the developments following the conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, which began on February 28.
Israel and the US launched coordinated attacks on Iranian facilities and infrastructure 10 days ago. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes against several US allies in the region, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.
The CM stated that a significant Goan diaspora resides in these Gulf countries, with the largest concentration in the UAE.
"The Government of Goa is concerned about the evolving situation in the Arabian (Persian) Gulf and is maintaining a cautious watch while liaising with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)," Sawant told the House.
Clarifying the reference made in the motion, the Chief Minister clarified that there are no "Goan nationals" in the Gulf region, but rather members of the Goan NRI and diaspora community residing there.
Sawant assured the House that all possible support would be extended to the Goan diaspora through coordination with the MEA and Indian missions in the Gulf to ensure their safety and security.
Acknowledging that the situation in the conflict-ridden region remains volatile, he insisted that there is no need for panic, as some flights and transport facilities remain operational for the movement of people from Gulf countries.
The Indian embassies in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain have already issued advisories for Indian nationals residing in West Asia, Sawant stated.
The CM further said that the state government is awaiting directions from the Centre regarding issues related to essential supplies such as fuel or the evacuation of Indians from the Gulf region.