National, March 4: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on March 4 established a dedicated control room to assist Indian nationals in West Asia amid the escalating conflict between Iran and the United States.
In a statement, the ministry said the move was taken in view of the “current situation in West Asia and the Gulf region” and emphasised that the safety and well-being of nearly one crore Indian citizens living and working in the region remains a top priority for New Delhi.
“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 MEA said. The control room will function from 9 am to 9 pm and can be contacted at 1800118797 (Toll Free), +91 11 23012113, +91 11 23014104, and +91 11 23017905.
The development followed a sharp escalation in hostilities after the United States carried out military strikes on February 28, reportedly killing Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran launched retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and American military bases across several Gulf nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
As tensions intensified, the Indian Embassy in Iran relocated hundreds of Indian students from Tehran to safer locations within the country as a precautionary step.
On Tuesday, the MEA noted that India cannot remain “impervious to any development” that adversely affects its citizens in the region. It said New Delhi was closely monitoring the evolving situation and remained in contact with governments in the region as well as other key partners.
The ministry reiterated that it would take appropriate decisions in the national interest while ensuring the safety of Indian nationals abroad.
