The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday rejected reports claiming that India and the United Arab Emirates were planning to evacuate Indian citizens through Fujairah port due to rising tensions in the Middle East. The ministry clarified that no such arrangement or evacuation exercise is being considered at present.

The clarification came after several media reports suggested that Indian and UAE authorities were discussing contingency plans for the movement of Indian nationals if the security situation in the region worsened further. According to those reports, Fujairah port was being considered as a possible transit point because of its location outside the Strait of Hormuz, an area seen as strategically sensitive during periods of regional conflict.

Responding to the reports, the MEA’s fact-check unit issued a statement denying the claims. In a post shared by the ministry, it said, “Fake News Alert! There is no basis in fact for such a story. There is no evacuation being planned. Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims.”

The ministry made it clear that the reports circulating about evacuation arrangements were incorrect. It also stressed that there was no agreement or operational planning underway between India and the UAE regarding the movement of Indian citizens through Fujairah port.

The statement was issued at a time when concerns had been growing over the security situation in the Middle East. Recent military escalations in the region have increased anxiety among immigrants, workers and international travellers. This has also led to speculation about emergency plans and possible disruptions in travel and movement across the region.

Fujairah holds strategic importance because it is located outside the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. The port serves as an important oil and shipping hub in the UAE. Due to its geographical position, it is often viewed as a safer alternative route during periods of tension in the Gulf region. Reports had suggested that these factors made the port a possible option in case evacuation measures became necessary. However, the MEA has now officially denied all such claims.

The ministry also advised people not to believe or circulate unverified information related to overseas safety and emergency operations. It urged citizens to depend only on official government advisories and verified communication channels for updates regarding travel disruptions, regional tensions or emergency response measures involving Indians abroad.

The MEA’s fact-check division has in recent times become more active in addressing misinformation connected to foreign policy matters, regional conflicts and reports involving Indian nationals overseas. The ministry has repeatedly issued warnings against false claims spreading online, especially during sensitive international developments.

The latest clarification is part of those efforts to prevent panic and stop the spread of inaccurate information. By issuing an official denial, the government aimed to reassure Indian citizens and overseas communities that no evacuation operation is currently being planned through Fujairah or any other route.

The development also highlights the growing challenge of misinformation during times of geopolitical uncertainty. As tensions continue in the Middle East, reports related to travel advisories, emergency planning and diplomatic coordination often attract public attention quickly. The MEA has therefore continued to stress the importance of relying on official updates instead of social media speculation or unverified media reports.

At present, the Indian government has maintained that there is no evacuation arrangement under discussion with the UAE. The ministry has advised citizens to remain cautious about misleading reports and to follow only authenticated government communication for accurate information.