Indian Workers Caught in Crossfire of US-Iran Conflict in the Gulf
Image Source: Internet
When the US and Israel struck Iran, and Tehran retaliated with ballistic missiles and drones, Indian workers in the UAE were caught in the crossfire. The Indian community in the UAE, which constitutes 38% of the population, is concentrated in sectors that a war shuts down first.
With the start of 'special flights' to evacuate those stranded in the UAE, there was some relief. But the impact remains palpable, for now and in the medium and long run too.
India's opposition parties have been critical of the government's response, with Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh calling it a 'betrayal of India's values, principles and interests'.
The economic stakes are high, as the UAE accounts for about a fifth of all inward remittances, making it the second-largest source globally after the United States.
Remittance funds are used to maintain families, covering essential items such as food, education and healthcare. Experts warn that oil prices may rise and remittances could get hit if the conflict continues, squeezing Indian households from both ends simultaneously.
