Maharashtra Citizens Stranded Abroad Will Be Brought Back Safely: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai, March 2026 :Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Legislative Council that the state government is on high alert regarding Indians stranded abroad after air services were suspended in some countries due to war-like conditions, and that every possible effort is being made to bring them back safely.

Members of the Legislative Council Sanjay Kenekar, Adv. Niranjan Davkhare, Satyajit Tambe, Adv. Anil Parab and Shashikant Shinde had raised questions through a Point of Information regarding the measures being undertaken by the Maharashtra government to bring back Indians stranded overseas.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that immediately after receiving messages from tourists, businesspersons and citizens stranded in transit following the suspension of air services, the state government contacted the Ministry of External Affairs of the central government. At the same time, Indian embassies in the concerned countries were activated, and citizens were advised to remain in contact with the embassies.

Minister Girish Mahajan Given Coordination Responsibility

Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan has been entrusted with the responsibility of coordination. A special WhatsApp helpline number has been announced for citizens, and efforts are underway to resolve complaints received through it. Minister Mahajan has also interacted with several stranded citizens through video calls.

Chief Protocol Officer Rajesh Gavande has also been assigned responsibility. He has held meetings with embassies and ensured that necessary standard operating procedures (SOPs) reach citizens. Information regarding these instructions has also been disseminated through the ‘X’ (Twitter) platform, the Chief Minister said.

Repatriation Process Under Central Government

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that the state government had expressed readiness to make independent arrangements to bring back citizens from Maharashtra. However, considering the current unsafe air traffic situation, the central government has advised that the process be kept under its jurisdiction. The Centre has also opined that if different states make separate efforts, it could lead to confusion, he added.

At present, some Air India flights have started operating to the affected locations, and citizens are being brought back in phases. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the situation would improve over the next two to three days.

Relief for Transit Passengers in Kuwait

Some transit passengers in Kuwait faced difficulties due to the absence of visas. However, owing to the efforts of the Indian Embassy, temporary arrangements have been made for them, and steps are being taken to ensure that they do not face any inconvenience.

Food Arrangements in Dubai

Mihir Kotecha has arranged two meals a day for stranded citizens in Dubai through local contacts. Citizens facing financial difficulties are benefiting from this initiative.

Confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Leadership

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that over the past several years, the central government has gained significant experience in bringing back Indians from abroad even in extremely adverse situations. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government is closely monitoring the situation and that all citizens will be brought back safely.

Adequate Oil Stock, Export Issues to Be Reviewed

Regarding oil reserves, the Chief Minister stated that the country currently has stocks sufficient for about two months, and therefore there is no immediate fear of a price hike. However, the issue of agricultural exports stranded abroad due to the war will be taken seriously, and intervention will be considered at the appropriate level, he clarified.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated through the House his firm assurance that citizens of Maharashtra stranded abroad will be brought back with complete safety.