India Sets Up 24/7 Control Room for Nationals in Tense West Asia

Joint Secretary (Gulf) Assem Mahajan, in the Inter-Ministerial briefing, detailed a robust multi-agency response designed to ensure the safety and welfare of millions of Indian nationals residing and working in the region.

At the heart of the government's strategy is a Special Control Room established within the MEA in New Delhi. Operating 24/7, this hub serves as the primary point of contact for distressed nationals and their families.

The control room is synchronising efforts with Indian embassies and consulates across the Middle East. Diplomatic missions are in constant dialogue with host governments to issue timely, guideline-based travel advisories. Missions are working directly with Indian community associations to streamline communication and support.

"MEA continues to closely monitor development in the Gulf and West Asia region. Efforts for the safety, security and welfare of communities in the region are being made. The dedicated special control room in the ministry is operational to respond to queries from Indian nationals. Our mission and post in the region, they are in close touch with the local government and provide updated advisories based on guidelines from the local government," said Joint Secretary (Gulf).

A significant portion of the briefing focused on the maritime sector. The MEA is according "high priority" to Indian seafarers, providing dedicated consular assistance and facilitating repatriation for those seeking to return home amidst regional sensitivities.

"Our missions are actively engaged with various communities and associations, and we are giving high priority to the welfare of seafarers in the region, extending consular assistance and requests to return to India," said Mahajan.

Despite regional volatility, the MEA reported a massive movement of citizens back to India. Since February 28, a staggering 1,191,000 passengers have successfully travelled home. The current flight and airspace landscape remains a "mixed" environment.

Mahajan said that despite regional constraints, commercial and chartered flight operations continue in multiple corridors, including the UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, and limited routes in Iran and Israel. Some carriers are also operating under non-scheduled arrangements to ensure connectivity with Indian destinations.

"On the overall flights situation, since February 28, 11,91,000 passengers have travelled to India. Today, 110 flights are expected to fly from the UAE to India. Flights are operating in various airports. Qatar airspace is partially open, Qatar Airways is operating flights. Kuwait airspace is also open, Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways are operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam to various destinations in India. Bahrain airspace is open. Gulf Air is operating flights from Bahrain to India. Iraq's airspace is open, and Iran's airspace remains partially open for cargo and chartered flights. Israel's airspace is open, and limited flights are operating. Our embassy in Tehran continues to facilitate people's safe travel," said Mahajan.

The Ministry concluded by noting that the Embassy in Tehran remains particularly active in facilitating the safe travel of Indians, ensuring that even in areas with restricted airspace, the path home remains accessible for those in need.

- ANI