New Delhi, April 22 — The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has activated a round‑the‑clock Special Control Room in New Delhi to respond to changing security conditions in the Gulf and wider West Asia and to assist millions of Indian nationals living and working there. Joint Secretary (Gulf) Assem Mahajan, speaking at an inter‑ministerial briefing, said the move is part of a coordinated multi‑agency effort to protect and support Indian communities in the region.
The Special Control Room serves as the primary contact point for distressed Indians and their families, and coordinates closely with Indian embassies and consulates across the Middle East. It maintains continuous dialogue with host governments, issues timely travel advisories, and works with community associations to streamline communication and assistance.
Mahajan noted that missions and posts in the region remain in close touch with local authorities and provide updated advisories based on local guidelines. The MEA has also prioritized maritime concerns, offering consular assistance to seafarers and facilitating repatriation for those who wish to return to India.
Despite regional volatility, large numbers have returned to India: since February 28, 1,191,000 passengers have travelled back. Commercial and charter operations continue on several corridors, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Iraq, with limited services to Iran and Israel. Some carriers are operating non‑scheduled flights to preserve connectivity.
On current flight operations, Mahajan said around 110 flights were expected from the UAE to India on the day of the briefing. Qatar airspace is partially open and Qatar Airways is operating some flights. Kuwait airspace is open; Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways have run non‑scheduled commercial services from Dammam to destinations in India. Bahrain’s airspace is open and Gulf Air is operating flights. Iraq’s airspace is open, while Iran’s remains partially open mainly for cargo and chartered flights. Israel’s airspace is open with limited flights.
The MEA highlighted the active role of the Indian Embassy in Tehran in facilitating safe travel and arranging alternatives where airspace restrictions exist. The Special Control Room continues to monitor developments closely and coordinate consular assistance, travel advisories and evacuation or repatriation measures as required.
