Indian Students Abroad: Over a Quarter in the Gulf Region

Indian Students in the Gulf Region Face Uncertainty Amid US, Israel, and Iran Conflict

Overview

As the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran intensifies, nearly five lakh Indian students studying in the Gulf region are at risk of academic disruption and security threats. This represents a significant proportion of India's overseas student population, with a total of 1.88 million students studying in 150 countries in 2025, according to government data.

Concentration of Indian Students in the Gulf Region

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The Gulf region has emerged as a major education hub, particularly for Indian students. The United Arab Emirates hosts the largest number of Indian students at 253,832, followed by Saudi Arabia (75,830), Kuwait (50,000), Qatar (49,346), and Oman (44,847). A significant proportion of these students are children of expatriate workers and are studying at the school level.

Impact of the Conflict

The conflict poses a substantial risk to the academic calendars of Indian students in the Gulf region, with the potential for airspace closures, flight suspensions, and regional instability. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has already postponed Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations scheduled for March 2 in countries in West Asia.

Broader Implications

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The situation highlights the importance of the Gulf region as a hub for Indian students, with a significant proportion of the country's overseas student population residing in the region. Prolonged instability in the region could have implications for India's broader diaspora management strategy, affecting not only families and institutions but also the country's economy and national security.