The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on March 4 set up a dedicated control room to assist Indian nationals in West Asia as tensions between Iran and the United States escalate. The MEA said the move was prompted by the “current situation in West Asia and the Gulf region” and stressed that the safety and well‑being of nearly one crore Indian citizens living and working there remains a top priority for New Delhi (about 10 million).
“A Control Room has been set up in the Ministry of External Affairs in view of the current situation in West Asia and the Gulf region,” the ministry said. The facility will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and can be reached at the toll‑free number 1800118797 or on +91 11 2301 2113, +91 11 2301 4104 and +91 11 2301 7905.
The deployment follows a sharp escalation after the United States carried out military strikes on February 28, reportedly killing Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran launched a series of retaliatory attacks that targeted Israel and American military bases in several Gulf countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, according to the MEA statement.
As tensions rose, the Indian Embassy in Tehran moved hundreds of Indian students from the Iranian capital to safer locations within the country as a precautionary step. The MEA said these relocations were part of ongoing consular efforts to protect Indian citizens.
On Tuesday the MEA warned that India cannot remain “impervious to any development” that adversely affects its nationals. It said New Delhi is closely monitoring the evolving situation and is in contact with governments across the region and other key partners.
The ministry reiterated that it will take appropriate decisions in the national interest while ensuring the safety of Indian nationals abroad, and urged citizens in the region to use the control room numbers for assistance and updates.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/national/story/west-asia-crisis-mea-sets-up-control-room-to-assist-indians-in-gulf-region-1354593-2026-03-04?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-03-04 11:34:00
