Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X condemned the recent attacks in United Arab Emirates, expressing solidarity with the nation. He stated that he had spoken with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, strongly denouncing the attacks and offering condolences for the lives lost. Modi appreciated the UAE leadership for ensuring the safety of the Indian community living in the country. Emphasizing India’s support for peace, he underlined the importance of de-escalation, regional stability, and security, reiterating that India stands with the UAE during these challenging times.
Taking to X, he posted, "Spoke with President of the UAE, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives in these attacks. India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times. Thanked him for taking care of the Indian community living in the UAE. We support de-escalation, regional peace, security and stability."
Also Read: Attacks in Dubai: 84 Pune Students Stranded in UAE, Centre Prepares Evacuation Plan
In a major update regarding the 84 Pune MBA students stranded in Dubai, former BJP Rajya Sabha MP Amar Shankar Sable confirmed that the Central government has devised a comprehensive plan to bring them safely back to India. Speaking from Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra, Sable said the Union government is closely monitoring the volatile situation in the Middle East and is coordinating efforts to ensure the students of the Indira School of Business Studies return at the earliest. Authorities are treating the matter with urgency amid widespread flight disruptions.
He appealed to the students to remain calm, emphasizing that their safety is a national priority and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made their well-being a top concern. Sable added that the government is working with relevant ministries to facilitate their departure once flights resume and necessary approvals are in place. “Regarding the 84 students of Indira College who went to Dubai for a study tour, many parents have reached out to me. The administration has contacted me, and I have coordinated with the PMO office,” he said.
The students had travelled to Dubai for a five-day academic tour. However, escalating tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran led to sudden regional airspace closures, preventing their scheduled return. The institute had earlier assured the Press Trust of India that all students were safe and relocated to a hotel as a precaution. Of the group, 40 students were due to return on Saturday and 44 on Sunday, but both groups were affected by cancelled flights.
Tarita Shankar confirmed that students and accompanying faculty were safe, with the management in constant touch. She added that the institute was coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to facilitate their return. Aviation operations across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha have been severely impacted, with over 1,000 flights cancelled by carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways, complicating travel further.
The disruptions follow retaliatory strikes by Iran on the UAE, including Dubai, after the US-Israeli operation killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026. Iran launched 137 missiles and 209 drones on Saturday, followed by more attacks on Sunday, targeting perceived US assets but affecting civilian areas. UAE air defenses intercepted many projectiles, though falling debris caused damage, including fires at the Burj Al Arab hotel and Fairmont The Palm, and minor injuries. Dubai International Airport remains closed, and residents report widespread panic, loud explosions, and the city feeling deserted. Casualties are limited, though Abu Dhabi saw one death and multiple injuries. Similar strikes occurred in Doha and Manama, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.