Amid escalating hostilities in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs has activated a dedicated control room to assist Indian nationals in the region, underscoring that their safety remains a top priority for New Delhi.
The move comes as tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply intensified.
The US carried out military strikes on Iran on February 28, reportedly killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In the aftermath, Iran launched retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and several American military installations across the Gulf, including in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
With nearly one crore Indians living and working across West Asia and the Gulf, the MEA said it is closely monitoring developments and remains in constant touch with governments in the region as well as key international partners.
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“We cannot be impervious to any development that negatively affects them,” the ministry noted, reiterating that the well-being of Indian citizens abroad is of “utmost priority.”
In Iran, the Indian embassy has already shifted hundreds of Indian students from Tehran to safer locations as a precautionary measure.
The MEA’s control room will function daily from 9 am to 9 pm. Those seeking assistance can reach it via the toll-free number 1800118797 or at +91 11 2301 2113, +91 11 2301 4104 and +91 11 2301 7905.
The ministry said the situation is evolving and that India will take decisions in the national interest based on ongoing assessments.
