Indian American entrepreneur Soups Ranjan, stranded in Dubai amid flight disruptions, calls for U.S. government assistance to evacuate him and other citizens during escalating regional tensions.
Indian American entrepreneur Soups Ranjan, a naturalized U.S. citizen and founder of a rapidly growing global startup, has expressed feelings of being “demoralized and abandoned” after being stranded in Dubai for several days due to escalating regional tensions and widespread flight disruptions.
Ranjan traveled to the Gulf for business meetings with financial institutions to discuss anti-fraud technology. What was intended to be a routine work trip quickly turned into an anxious wait for a way back home.
“I am a proud U.S. citizen and founder of a successful startup that employs 94 people in the U.S. and over 180 globally,” he stated in a detailed post on X. “I was in Dubai on a business trip meeting with financial institutions to help them fight financial fraud in the region, but now I am stranded.”
After four days of uncertainty, Ranjan described the emotional toll of the situation as heavy. “I expected the U.S. government to do something to get U.S. citizens out, but I haven’t seen any meaningful action,” he wrote. “After four days of adrenaline and constant fear, I feel demoralized and abandoned by our government.”
Ranjan contrasted the U.S. response with that of other nations, noting it has been “difficult watching other countries — the UK, Israel, Spain, Italy, and India — repatriate their citizens or ensure that commercial flights continue operating to bring them home.”
The experience has shaken Ranjan’s belief in the American dream. “I became a naturalized U.S. citizen because I believe in the American dream, and the idea that in a crisis, America never leaves its citizens behind,” he wrote. “I see that American dream being shattered not just for me, but for tens of thousands of other Americans left stranded.”
In his appeal for assistance, Ranjan outlined three specific requests to U.S. authorities. He first asked whether the government could work with airlines to prevent cancellations of U.S.-bound flights. “I’ve booked a dozen flights to leave Dubai, and all of them got canceled, even as flights to other countries continue operating,” he noted.
Secondly, if commercial routes cannot be stabilized, he urged Washington to organize evacuation flights, either civilian or military, for Americans in Dubai and the surrounding region.
Ranjan referenced a public statement from the U.S. State Department indicating that officials were in contact with thousands of Americans and advising them to call 1-202-501-4444 for assistance. However, he stated that his own experience did not align with that message.
“I am enrolled in STEP and have only received generic messages,” he explained, referring to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. “On calling that number, the message you get is: ‘Please don’t rely on the USG for assisted departure or evacuation at this point. There are currently no evacuation flights at this time.’”
His third request focused on the communication gaps that many Americans are facing. With reported funding cuts to U.S. consulates and security concerns affecting embassies in parts of the region, he emphasized that many citizens feel they have nowhere to turn.
“Can we set up an emergency hotline within the U.S. that actually works, and that has someone who is taking down more details?” he asked.
Ranjan also pointed to remarks made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that 1,500 Americans had contacted authorities seeking evacuation assistance. “How did they do that?” Ranjan questioned. “Because I am completely at a loss on who to call.”
He concluded his appeal with a direct plea: “Myself and other Americans need help getting back home.”
As flight cancellations ripple across key transit hubs in the Gulf, stories like Ranjan’s highlight the uncertainty facing travelers caught far from home and the mounting pressure on governments to respond effectively.
According to The American Bazaar, the situation continues to evolve as more citizens seek assistance in navigating the challenges of international travel during this crisis.