India on Wednesday stepped up its outreach to its citizens in West Asia amid the deepening conflict in the region, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) setting up a dedicated control room to assist those affected.
The move comes as tensions escalated sharply following US military strikes on Iran on February 28 that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, triggering a fresh wave of hostilities across West Asia. In the aftermath of the offensive, Iran launched retaliatory attacks primarily targeting Israel and American military bases in several Gulf countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
The MEA said almost one crore Indian citizens live and work in West Asia and the Gulf region, underlining that their safety and well-being remain of utmost priority for New Delhi.
The ministry emphasised that India cannot remain unaffected by developments that negatively impact its diaspora in the region.
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To provide real-time assistance, the MEA announced the establishment of a control room in view of the prevailing situation in West Asia and the Gulf. The Control Room can be contacted from 9 am to 9 pm at 1800118797 (Toll Free) and on the numbers +91 11 2301 2113, +91 11 2301 4104, and +91 11 2301 7905.
According to official quoted by news agency PTI, the facility will coordinate closely with Indian missions abroad and relevant authorities to address emergency queries, travel disruptions and requests for evacuation support, if required.
As the Iran-US conflict widened, the Indian embassy in Iran shifted hundreds of Indian students from Tehran to safer locations, reflecting the government’s precautionary approach. Diplomatic sources indicated that missions in the region have been placed on high alert and are maintaining constant contact with community representatives and local authorities.
India’s stakes in West Asia are substantial, not only in terms of its large expatriate population but also due to energy security, trade and remittances.
The Gulf region accounts for a significant share of India’s crude oil and LNG imports, while remittances from Indian workers in these countries form an important component of foreign exchange inflows. Any prolonged instability could have implications for oil prices, shipping routes and overall economic stability -- issues that policymakers in New Delhi are watching closely.
The MEA said New Delhi will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and take decisions in the national interest. It added that India remains in touch with governments in the region as well as other key partners to assess developments and ensure the safety of Indian nationals.
The move comes as tensions escalated sharply following US military strikes on Iran on February 28 that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, triggering a fresh wave of hostilities across West Asia. In the aftermath of the offensive, Iran launched retaliatory attacks primarily targeting Israel and American military bases in several Gulf countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
The MEA said almost one crore Indian citizens live and work in West Asia and the Gulf region, underlining that their safety and well-being remain of utmost priority for New Delhi.
The ministry emphasised that India cannot remain unaffected by developments that negatively impact its diaspora in the region.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
To provide real-time assistance, the MEA announced the establishment of a control room in view of the prevailing situation in West Asia and the Gulf. The Control Room can be contacted from 9 am to 9 pm at 1800118797 (Toll Free) and on the numbers +91 11 2301 2113, +91 11 2301 4104, and +91 11 2301 7905.
According to official quoted by news agency PTI, the facility will coordinate closely with Indian missions abroad and relevant authorities to address emergency queries, travel disruptions and requests for evacuation support, if required.
As the Iran-US conflict widened, the Indian embassy in Iran shifted hundreds of Indian students from Tehran to safer locations, reflecting the government’s precautionary approach. Diplomatic sources indicated that missions in the region have been placed on high alert and are maintaining constant contact with community representatives and local authorities.
India’s stakes in West Asia are substantial, not only in terms of its large expatriate population but also due to energy security, trade and remittances.
The Gulf region accounts for a significant share of India’s crude oil and LNG imports, while remittances from Indian workers in these countries form an important component of foreign exchange inflows. Any prolonged instability could have implications for oil prices, shipping routes and overall economic stability -- issues that policymakers in New Delhi are watching closely.
The MEA said New Delhi will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and take decisions in the national interest. It added that India remains in touch with governments in the region as well as other key partners to assess developments and ensure the safety of Indian nationals.
