Escalating hostilities in the Middle East have prompted India to activate a specialized control room in New Delhi, prioritizing the welfare of its nationals caught in the crossfire.
Amid relentless US-Israel assaults on Iran, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed the initiative on Wednesday. Official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X: ‘Given the current dynamics in West Asia and the Gulf, a dedicated control room is now operational at the MEA.’
Available daily from 9 AM to 9 PM IST, support is accessible via toll-free 1800118797 or landlines +91-11-23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905. This setup ensures prompt responses to queries and emergencies.
Comprehensive helplines for affected countries include: Bahrain (+973 39418071), Iran (+98 9128109115, +98 9128109102, +98 9128109109, +98 9932179359), Iraq (+964 7716511185, +964 7704444899), Israel (+972 547520711, +972 542428378), Jordan (+962 770422276), Kuwait (+965 65501946), Lebanon (+961 76860128), Oman (+968 98282270 WhatsApp, 80071234 toll-free), Qatar (+974 55647502), Ramallah (+970 592916418 toll-free), Saudi Arabia Riyadh (+966 114884697, 8002471234 toll-free), Jeddah (+966 126648660, +966 122614093), and UAE (+971 543090571 WhatsApp, 80046342 toll-free).
The trigger: Coordinated US-Israel strikes eliminated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior commanders. Iran’s counteroffensive hit US installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and UAE, risking a full-scale regional inferno.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the crisis earlier this week, emphasizing India’s diplomatic outreach. ‘Our position on ongoing global conflicts is unwavering,’ he noted on Monday. ‘India champions peace and stability, and united democracies amplify that message.’ He pledged continued cooperation with Middle Eastern partners to secure Indian lives.
This control room exemplifies India’s crisis management prowess, offering a beacon of hope amid uncertainty. Travelers and expatriates are advised to monitor official advisories and utilize these resources proactively.