New Delhi/Riyadh: The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has said all Gulf countries have assured New Delhi of the security and welfare of the Indian citizens in the wake of Qatar crisis. Expatriates have been told to contact Indian embassies in case they need any help.
The MEA says India's position is that differences between countries have to be sorted out through talks.
India has had relations with Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries for long. There are nearly 80 lakh Indians in six GCC countries. Hence the security and stability of this region is vital to India.
"Talks should take place with mutual respect and on the basis of international rules and sovereignty, without interference in the internal affairs of any country," the ministry said.
"Cross-border militancy and communal intolerance are big threats to the stability of the region. They also hold out a threat to global peace. All countries have to unite and face these threats," the MEA said in a statement.
'No expulsions of nationals'
Nationals of countries that cut diplomatic ties with Qatar this week are free to remain in the Gulf state in line with existing regulations, according to a statement carried by Qatar state news agency QNA on Saturday.
The statement, attributed to the Ministry of Interior, said there was no change in policy toward the nationals of "brotherly and friendly countries which cut or reduced diplomatic relations following the malicious and hostile campaigns against Qatar."
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar in a coordinated move on Monday, accusing it of supporting militants and arch-foe Iran in the Gulf's worst diplomatic stand-off in years.
The three Gulf states severed transit links and gave Qatari visitors and residents two weeks to leave their countries. Most severely, the United Arab Emirates barred Qataris from catching connecting flights through its airports.
The rift has separated families and severed commercial links, prompting concerns among foreign workers - particularly Egyptians, who make up one of the largest expatriate contingents in Qatar - about their ability to stay.
(With inputs from Reuters)