India Sets Up MEA Control Room, Releases Helpline Numbers for Gulf Amid Crisis

The Ministry of External Affairs has established a Special Control Room and released a comprehensive list of helpline numbers for Indian nationals across the Gulf and West Asia due to escalating regional tensions. The Control Room will operate daily from 9 AM to 9 PM IST to provide assistance. Simultaneously, Indian consulate officials in Saudi Arabia are actively assisting passengers at airports amid travel disruptions, reviewing arrangements for special flights. Indian citizens have been advised to remain in contact with their respective embassies and monitor official advisories.

Key Points: MEA Control Room & Helpline Numbers for Indians in West Asia

  • MEA sets up Special Control Room
  • Helpline numbers for 12+ Gulf/West Asia nations
  • Consulate officials assist at Saudi airports
  • Advisory to contact embassies for updates
3 min read

MEA sets up Special Control Room amid West Asia crisis; Releases helpline numbers for Gulf Region

MEA establishes a Special Control Room and releases emergency contact numbers for Indian nationals in the Gulf and West Asia amid escalating tensions.

"Consul General... visited... to meet Indian nationals... and assured them of the Consulate's full support. - Consulate General of India, Jeddah"

New Delhi, March 4

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday announced the establishment of a Special Control Room in view of the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, providing multiple helpline numbers for Indian nationals.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the update on X, stating that a dedicated Control Room has been set up to assist citizens amid the ongoing tensions.

According to the official release, the Control Room will operate from 9 am to 9 pm and can be reached at the following numbers: 1800118797 (Toll Free), +91 11 2301 2113, +91 11 2301 4104, and +91 11 2301 7905.

In addition, the MEA provided emergency contact numbers for Indian embassies across the region.

For Bahrain, it is +973 39418071. For Iran, the numbers are +98 9128109115 / +98 912810910 / +98 932179359.For Iraq, the numbers are +964 771 651 1185 / +964 770444 4899.For Israel, the numbers are +972 54 7520711 / +972 54 2428378.For Jordan, it is +962 770 422 276.For Kuwait, it is +965 65501946.For Lebanon, it is +961 76860128.For Oman, the numbers are +968 98282270 (WhatsApp) / 80071234 (Toll free).For Qatar, it is +974 55647502.For Ramallah, Palestine, it is +970 592916418.For Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), the numbers are +966 11 4884697 / 800 247 1234 (Toll free).For Saudi Arabia (Jeddah), the numbers are +966 126648660 / +966 12 2614093.For the United Arab Emirates, the numbers are +971 543090571 (WhatsApp) / 800 46342 (Toll free).

The MEA said the step has been taken in light of the current security situation in West Asia and the Gulf, as tensions continue to escalate across the region.

Indian nationals have been advised to remain in touch with the respective embassies and monitor official updates for further advisories.

Earlier, the Consulate General of India, Jeddah, on Tuesday said it is extending full support to Indian nationals travelling on special flights from Jeddah amid regional travel disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in the West Asia region.

The Consulate said Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, accompanied by senior officials, visited King Abdulaziz International Airport to review arrangements for Indian passengers departing on non-scheduled flights to various destinations in India.

These special flights are being operated by Indian carriers to mitigate the impact of recent regional travel disruptions and facilitate the return of affected passengers.

"Consul General, Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, accompanied by Consulate officials, visited King Abdulaziz International Airport today to meet Indian nationals travelling on non-scheduled flights from Jeddah to various destinations in India. These flights are being operated by Indian carriers to address recent regional travel disruptions. He reviewed on-ground arrangements, interacted with passengers and airline staff, and assured them of the Consulate's full support," the Consulate posted on X.

Suri interacted with passengers and airline staff, assessed on-ground arrangements, and assured travellers of the Consulate's full support. The Consulate said its staff are deployed round-the-clock at airports in Jeddah and Madinah to provide necessary assistance and address passenger concerns.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My brother is in Riyadh. I've already forwarded him these numbers. It's good to see our government acting swiftly. The WhatsApp numbers for Oman and UAE are a smart, modern touch.
R
Rohit P
While the initiative is good, I hope the lines are actually manned properly and don't just ring busy. Past experiences with some helplines haven't been great. Hope they have enough staff for the 12-hour window.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels frequently to the region for work, this is incredibly useful information. The Consul General visiting the airport personally is a nice gesture. Safety of citizens should always be the top priority.
V
Vikram M
The detailed country-wise list is very helpful. Praying for the safety of all our brothers and sisters in the Gulf region. The situation there affects so many Indian families back home. 🙏
K
Karthik V
Good move. Now they should also run awareness campaigns on social media and maybe SMS blasts to Indians registered in those countries so everyone knows where to turn for help.

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