Indian Embassy in Riyadh interacts with CBSE school principals amid West Asia tensions

Officials from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh held a virtual meeting with principals of CBSE affiliated schools across Saudi Arabia to discuss the regional situation and address concerns related to board examinations.

Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, interacted with school leaders along with First Secretary Vipul Bawa.

The discussion focused on the ongoing developments in the region and the measures being taken by the embassy to support the Indian community.

In a post on X, George said, "DCM Abu Mathen George, joined by First Secretary Vipul Bawa, held a virtual interaction with Principals of CBSE-affiliated schools across Saudi Arabia. The DCM briefed them on current regional situation and the Embassy's initiatives to support Indian community, and also addressed queries related to the CBSE Board Examinations."

The interaction came after the Central Board of Secondary Education announced the cancellation of Class 12 board examinations scheduled in several West Asian countries as tensions in the region continue to escalate.

In a circular, the board stated that all Class 12 examinations scheduled between March 16 and April 10 have been cancelled for students studying in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

CBSE also clarified that examinations that had earlier been postponed through previous notifications will no longer be conducted.

"Examinations which were earlier postponed vide circular dated 01.03.2026, 03.03.2026, 05.03.2026, 07.03.2026 and 09.03.2026 shall also stand cancelled," CBSE stated.

Earlier, the board had also cancelled Class 10 examinations that were scheduled between February 17 and March 11 in the affected countries.

The developments come amid an escalating conflict in West Asia involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, with attacks targeting energy infrastructure raising concerns about global oil and gas supplies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international shipping despite the ongoing tensions.

However, he indicated that vessels associated with the United States and Israel would not be allowed to pass through the strategic maritime route.

According to The Jerusalem Post, Araghchi made the remarks during an interview with US news outlet MS NOW, stating that the waterway continues to function as a major corridor for global oil shipments but with restrictions for certain vessels linked to the two countries.