New Delhi [India], April 22 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday highlighted India’s proactive response to the shifting security situation in the Gulf and broader West Asia.
Joint Secretary (Gulf) Assem Mahajan, during an inter-ministerial briefing, outlined a coordinated multi-agency effort to protect millions of Indian nationals living and working in the region.
Central to the plan is a Special Control Room at the MEA in New Delhi, operating round the clock as the primary contact point for distressed Indians and their families. The control room coordinates with Indian embassies and consulates across the Middle East, maintaining continuous dialogue with host governments, issuing timely travel advisories, and working with community associations to streamline support and communication.
“MEA continues to closely monitor development in the Gulf and West Asia region. Efforts for the safety, security and welfare of communities in the region are being made. The dedicated special control room in the ministry is operational to respond to queries from Indian nationals. Our mission and post in the region, they are in close touch with the local government and provide updated advisories based on guidelines from the local government,” said Mahajan.
The briefing emphasized maritime concerns, with the MEA giving high priority to Indian seafarers by providing consular assistance and facilitating repatriation for those wishing to return.
“Our missions are actively engaged with various communities and associations, and we are giving high priority to the welfare of seafarers in the region, extending consular assistance and requests to return to India,” Mahajan added.
Despite regional volatility, the MEA reported large-scale returns: since February 28, 1,191,000 passengers have travelled back to India. The current flight and airspace situation is mixed, but commercial and charter operations continue on several corridors, including the UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, and limited routes in Iran and Israel. Some carriers are operating non-scheduled flights to maintain connectivity.
“On the overall flights situation, since February 28, 11,91,000 passengers have travelled to India. Today, 110 flights are expected to fly from the UAE to India. Flights are operating in various airports. Qatar airspace is partially open, Qatar Airways is operating flights. Kuwait airspace is also open, Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways are operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam to various destinations in India. Bahrain airspace is open. Gulf Air is operating flights from Bahrain to India. Iraq’s airspace is open, and Iran’s airspace remains partially open for cargo and chartered flights. Israel’s airspace is open, and limited flights are operating. Our embassy in Tehran continues to facilitate people’s safe travel,” said Mahajan.
The MEA said the Embassy in Tehran is particularly active in facilitating safe travel, ensuring alternatives even where airspace restrictions exist. (ANI)
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