Ensure Indian expats' safety in Qatar: Pinarayi writes to PM Modi

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sought the Centre's intervention to ensure the safety of three lakh Keralites residing in Qatar following the diplomatic crisis in the country. 

In letters addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, Pinarayi said he was writing in the context of the developing geo-political situation in the Middle East.

"As you are aware, millions of Indians are working in countries in the Middle East. The geo-political developments in the region have raised deep concerns among the people in Kerala since each family has at least one family member or a relative in the region," the letter read. 

Also read: Why Indian expats need not panic over Qatar situation

There are about 6.5 lakh Indians in Qatar, of which nearly three lakh hail from Kerala, Pinarayi stressed, expressing concern on their safety and employment in Qatar. 

"I would like to place on record the full support of our state to the considered stance that Union government would take on the issue, given the complexities involved," the CM said. 

Also read: Five reasons why Saudi, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar

Pinarayi said the state was aware that the Centre would come out with the "most appropriate diplomatic and geo-political stance" in this regard taking into consideration all aspects and put in place a "robust mechanism" for addressing all the concerns. 

The Kerala CM also wanted the Indian Embassy in Doha to be "suitably empowered" to respond presciently to the concerns of the Indian community in the country. 

The letters came in the backdrop of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the UAE severing diplomatic ties with Qatar, as tensions escalated in the region over accusations that Doha backed terror outfits.

(with PTI inputs)

• Qatar crisis
• Pinarayi Vijayan
• PM Modi