India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) established a special control room in New Delhi to assist nationals stranded in the Middle East amid intensifying Iran-Israel conflict. The government also released a full list of embassy helplines and emergency contacts to ensure swift support and evacuation.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
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Control Room Established: The MEA announced the setup of a Special Control Room (SCR) operating daily from 9 AM to 9 PM IST. Toll-free and direct lines have been provided for immediate assistance.
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Emergency Helplines: Country-wise contact numbers for Indian embassies across the Middle East were shared, covering UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Palestine.
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Evacuation Plans: Reports confirm that India has scheduled 58 special flights to support evacuation of stranded nationals from Gulf countries.
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Conflict Context: The move comes amid the ongoing Iran-Israel war, which began last week with coordinated strikes, intensifying regional instability and raising safety concerns for Indian citizens.
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Government Assurance: The MEA emphasized that safeguarding Indian nationals abroad remains a top priority, urging citizens to register with embassies and use helplines for assistance.
Outlook
India’s proactive response highlights its commitment to citizen safety during geopolitical crises. With embassy networks mobilized and evacuation flights planned, the control room is expected to serve as a critical lifeline for Indians navigating uncertainty in the Middle East.
Sources: Hindustan Times, Odisha Bytes, India TV News, Ministry of External Affairs (India), News18