Steps for timely evacuation of Indians from Qatar have been ensured: MEA

Qatar has assured Indian government the interests of the Indian expats would be taken care of

The Qatar crisis seems to have sent alarm bells ringing in India's Ministry of External Affairs, headed by Sushma Swaraj, one of the most proactive foreign ministers India has had in terms of helping stranded Indians abroad.
Recently she famously said, her ministry would come to the rescue of Indians even if they are lost on Mars. In keeping with this intent, India is maintaining a very close watch on the situation in Qatar, and all set to operate special flights for those who want to return.
The Qatar crisis follows seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain, cutting off ties with Qatar on "broken promises" which among other things "involve support and shelter to militants."
Qatar firms put travel bar on several expats
There are 7 lakh Indians living in Qatar, and most of them happen to be Keralites.
Because of the political and logistical isolation Qatar faces, there are fears that the county may run short of essential supplies like food and other daily consumables.
Though there is news that Iran is helping out with the short fall, those living in Qatar live in fear that the Iranian aid may not be sufficient in the long run.
Saudi Arabia, which leads the operation against Qatar, has closed its borders. This greatly impacts Qatar as Saudi supplies material for most of the country's consumable needs.
The MEA has already issued instructions to the Aviation Ministry to be on guard. A tentative schedule has been worked out so that Air India Express will operate special flights between Kerala and Doha from June 25 to July 8.
The airline will use 186-seater Boeing 737 for the operation. Jet Airways too will operate extra flights between Mumbai and Doha on Thursday and Friday of the action-weeks using its 168-seater B-737.
On Monday, Sushma Swaraj had spoken with aviation minister A G Raju and worked out an understanding to operate additional flights "to Doha for Indian nationals who were not able to get bookings but needed to reach the country back from Doha."
The aviation ministry has assured MEA "that all steps necessary for the timely movement of Indian nationals from Qatar shall be ensured."
Complete list of 13 demands on Qatar by Arab nations
While there is no clear estimate on how many of the 7 lakh Indians would want to return, the ministries concerned are working on the worst scenario possible.
Qatar has assured Indian government the interests of the Indian expats would be taken care of. While India is grateful for that, a MEA official said, " We just don't know how the scene will unfold; best to be prepared for the worst."

• Qatar Crisis
• India