The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi issued an advisory Saturday, February 28, 2026, urging all Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates to “exercise utmost caution” following retaliatory strikes carried out by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The advisory comes after joint strikes by the United States and Israel against targets within Iran, escalating regional tensions.
The IRGC confirmed it had targeted several facilities associated with the U.S. Military in the region, according to reports. Bahrain’s state news agency reported that the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters on the island kingdom was among the targets, though no damage or casualties were immediately confirmed.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not specified the nature of the threat to Indian citizens in the UAE, but the advisory suggests a heightened security risk. The Indian missions in Gulf countries issued the caution in light of the escalating conflict, according to The Economic Times.
Several international airlines have suspended flights over the Middle East, including routes to and from Iran, following the exchange of strikes. Reuters reported that these suspensions are a precautionary measure to avoid potential airspace violations or safety concerns.
The advisory from the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi specifically recommends avoiding unnecessary travel within the UAE. This follows an incident in Abu Dhabi where Iranian strikes resulted in one fatality, as reported by India TV News. The specific details of the strike and the victim’s identity have not been released.
The U.S. And Israel have not publicly commented on the specific objectives of their strikes within Iran, but officials have indicated they were in response to recent Iranian actions. The IRGC’s retaliation signals a direct escalation of the conflict, raising concerns about further regional instability.
As of Saturday afternoon, the Indian government has not announced any plans for evacuation of its citizens from the UAE or other Gulf nations. The embassy advisory remains the primary guidance for Indian nationals in the region.
