India Strengthens MEA Control Room Amid West Asia Crisis as Stranded Citizens Seek Assistance
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has established a specialized control room to assist Indians facing challenges due to escalating tensions in West Asia. Thousands of Indian nationals across the Gulf region have turned to embassies for urgent support amid increasing security concerns and travel disruptions. With approximately 10 million Indians residing and working in West Asia, developments in the region are of significant importance to the Indian government.
The MEA announced the establishment of this control room in light of the situation in West Asia and the Gulf on Wednesday. Indians in need of assistance can reach the control room from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. using the following contact numbers: 1800118797 (toll-free), +91 11 2301 2113, +91 11 2301 4104, and +91 11 2301 7905.
Emergency Contacts for Indian Nationals
In addition to the central control room, the government has released emergency contact numbers for Indian embassies throughout the region:
- Bahrain: +973 39418071
- Iran: +98 9128109115 / +989128109102 / +98 9128109109 / +98 9932179359
- Iraq: +964 771 651 1185 / +964 770444 4899
- Israel: +972 54 7520711 / +972 54 2428378
- Jordan: +962770422276
- Kuwait: +96565501946
- Lebanon: +96176860128
- Oman: +968 98282270 (WhatsApp) / 80071234 (toll-free)
- Qatar: +974 55647502
- Ramallah (Palestine): +970592916418
- Saudi Arabia (Riyadh): +966114884697 / 8002471234
- Saudi Arabia (Jeddah): +966126648660 / +966122614093
- UAE: +971 543090571 (WhatsApp) / 80046342 (toll-free)
Measures for Relocation and Safety
In response to deteriorating conditions, the Indian embassy in Iran has relocated hundreds of Indian students from Tehran to safer areas. The escalation of the conflict followed U.S. military strikes on February 28, which reportedly led to the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has since retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. military installations across various Gulf countries.
As security situations worsen, numerous Indians in the region have expressed difficulties in accessing embassy support or securing travel arrangements on social media platforms. One individual reported being stranded in Dubai for three days, expressing frustration at unresponsive helplines and last-minute flight cancellations.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the availability of embassy services, particularly after a social media post indicated the embassy in Qatar would close for the Holi festival. However, the embassy later confirmed that it remains open 24/7 for emergencies.
Personal Accounts Amid the Crisis
Notable figures have shared their experiences as the situation unfolds. Bollywood actor Lara Dutta Bhupathi, currently in Dubai, described feeling “nervous” and “stressed” amid ongoing hostilities. She recounted hearing explosions and witnessing missile interceptions while attending to brand-related commitments. Dutta emphasized the emotional toll on her family, particularly her children, as they seek to return to Mumbai.
Several other Indian citizens have successfully evacuated, while airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet have initiated over 12 special flights to repatriate stranded passengers from Saudi Arabia and the UAE due to the regional conflict.
Praveen Khandelwal, a BJP Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk in Delhi, confirmed that his daughter, who was trapped in Dubai amid the conflict, has returned to India safely following flight cancellations.
The Indian government continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad, with embassies working tirelessly to address the immediate needs of those impacted by the crisis.
For more information on India’s regional foreign policy, visit the Ministry of External Affairs’ official website.
Published on 2026-03-04 14:22:00 • By Editorial Desk • Category:
