NEW DELHI (March 2, 2026) — Nasscom, the apex body for India’s technology industry, has issued an urgent advisory to its member companies to defer all non-essential travel to affected areas of the Middle East. Citing escalating geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly involving the US, Israel, and Iran, the industry body has also recommended that IT firms implement work-from-home (WFH) protocols for employees currently stationed in the Gulf.
Precautionary Measures for Employee Safety
The advisory comes as a direct response to a “deteriorating security environment” following joint US-Israeli military operations in the region that began on February 28. Nasscom emphasized that while business continuity is important, the safety and security of the IT workforce remains the “foremost priority.”
Key directives from the Nasscom communique include:
- Travel Deferment: Member companies are advised to postpone all planned business trips to countries including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE until further notice.
- Remote Operations: For the thousands of Indian IT professionals currently in the region, firms are encouraged to enable remote work to minimize daily movement.
- Continuous Monitoring: Nasscom stated it is in “constant touch” with the Nasscom Middle East Council and has advised employees to maintain regular contact with local Indian embassies.
Impact on the IT Sector and Global Trade
India’s IT and electronics exports to the Gulf region are valued at approximately $4.5 billion annually. Industry leaders, including TCS and Infosys, have already reportedly begun suspending travel as a precautionary measure. Beyond personnel safety, the conflict poses significant logistical challenges:
- Aviation Disruptions: Aviation regulator DGCA has advised airlines to avoid the airspaces of 11 countries, leading to the cancellation of over 350 Indian flights on March 1 alone.
- Maritime Risks: Potential blockades at the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 20% of the world’s oil flow, could lead to a spike in energy prices and freight costs, further straining IT operational budgets.
- Business Delays: Major tech hubs like Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait are facing Level 3 travel warnings from international agencies, potentially delaying project delivery timelines and client interactions.
Coordination with the MEA
Nasscom has directed all its members operating in West Asia to refer to the formal advisories issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Indian missions in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Jordan have already urged Indian nationals to “exercise utmost caution” and avoid unnecessary travel within their respective host countries.
Despite the heightened alert, Nasscom noted that operations across the industry are continuing as usual for now, with companies remaining “vigilant and prepared” to take additional measures as the situation evolves.
Sources
- The Hindu: “West Asia crisis: Nasscom asks member companies to defer travel to affected areas” (March 2, 2026)
- The Hans India: “Nasscom advises member companies to defer travel… as Middle East simmers” (March 2, 2026)
- NewsBytes: “Nasscom warns of Iran-Israel conflict fallout on Indian IT” (March 2, 2026)
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “DGCA advises airlines to avoid 11 airspaces till March 2” (February 28, 2026)
Leave a Reply