The government is currently monitoring the movement of Indian migrant workers in Gulf countries back to their states and cities amid the Middle East conflict, according to sources.
The move comes as possibilities of delays and reduction in money transfers or remittances have widened on the back of prolonged crude and gas facility shutdowns in the Gulf region.
If shutdowns persist, countless jobs can get disrupted, compelling workers to return to India and ultimately resulting in remittance inflow shocks as well, the sources added.
India hosts over 90 lakh Indian workers and is key to remittance inflows. Apart from the energy sector, jobs in construction and services sectors in Gulf economies are also at risk.
Of all the Indian states, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are the most vulnerable to remittance shocks. Contribution of Gulf countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman to India's remittance inflow is crucial.
These countries are responsible for roughly 38% of India's total remittances. Notably, India is the world's largest receiver of remittances, at about $135.4 billion as of 2025, the sources highlighted.
Even a temporary disruption could mount pressure on the Indian rupee and widen current account deficit. Besides tracking movement of these workers back to India, the Centre is also tracking domestic movement of migrant workers, with station officers monitoring 11 key railway stations for any signs.
What Is Happening In The Middle East?
After waves of mixed signals and uncertain cues surrounding the conflict, US President Donald Trump announced a two‑week ceasefire with Iran on Wednesday.
Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi indicated that transit through the Strait of Hormuz could be permitted during this period, provided the United States suspends all military actions against the Islamic Republic.
Besides the obvious dangers of the Iran war which erupted on Feb. 28, spiking crude oil prices, vulnerable air spaces, and shifting economic concerns had kept the entire world on edge for more than a month.
Follow all the live updates of the war here.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.