Digital Eidi: Indian Families Send 'Panic Transfers' to Relatives in War-Hit West Asia

• Indian families are sending 'digital Eidi' to relatives in West Asia, shifting from festive gifts to urgent financial support amidst escalating conflict.
• A 20-30% surge in inward remittances to India in March reflects 'panic transfers' by 9.6 million Indians in GCC countries, safeguarding savings against potential bank freezes or evacuations.
• Digital connectivity is crucial for survival, with families using encrypted apps to send MEA updates, emergency helpline numbers, and digital travel documents.
• The Indian government has established a special control room in New Delhi to provide real-time advisories to missions in Bahrain, Kuwait, and UAE.
• Fintech plays a critical role, with digital wallets and UPI-linked platforms enabling instantaneous transfers, insulating 40-50 million dependents in India despite operational hurdles in conflict zones.