India and the United Arab Emirates are working on a first-of-its-kind evacuation agreement that would enable the large-scale movement of Indian workers through the port of Port of Fujairah during emergencies triggered by escalating tensions in West Asia.
The proposed pact is expected to be discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stopover in Fujairah on May 15 en route to Europe, where he is scheduled to visit the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.
The agreement gains significance amid recent disruptions in Gulf air traffic caused by the ongoing regional conflict, which stranded thousands across the Middle East. Indian officials believe the arrangement could provide a critical maritime evacuation route for lakhs of Indian workers in the UAE if air connectivity is interrupted.
With nearly 4.3 million Indians living in the UAE and around 10 million across West Asia, the Fujairah corridor is being viewed as a strategic fallback option. Located outside the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint, Fujairah has emerged as a key logistics hub during the crisis.
The port has also become an alternative gateway for cargo movement into the UAE as access to Dubai-linked routes faces disruptions. Along with Khor Fakkan Port, Fujairah is currently being used to reroute shipments, which are then transported inland by road.
The development also highlights deepening India-UAE strategic ties at a time when regional security risks are rising. Analysts believe India could strengthen its energy and trade position further as the UAE recalibrates its oil policies following its reported differences with Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remain elevated. Iran has warned Britain and France against deploying naval assets in the region, while the United States and Iran continue indirect exchanges over maritime access and ceasefire arrangements. Recent drone attacks in Gulf waters and interceptions reported by the UAE and Kuwait underline continued instability despite the ceasefire announced in April.
