As tensions continue to rise across West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has activated a dedicated 24/7 special control room to oversee the safety and welfare of millions of Indians living in the Gulf region.During an inter-ministerial media briefing on Monday, government officials said India is closely monitoring the evolving situation while coordinating large-scale repatriation efforts and ensuring uninterrupted maritime operations. Additional Secretary Aseem R Mahajan said the MEA is working “round-the-clock” and remains in constant contact with state governments and Union Territories to streamline information sharing for concerned families.
Providing an update on regional connectivity, Mahajan said flight operations across several Gulf nations are gradually stabilising despite restrictions in certain areas. Airspaces in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain remain open, while Qatar and Iran are operating partially. He confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Tehran has so far facilitated the evacuation of 2,549 Indian nationals from Iran through land border routes. Indian citizens have also been advised to avoid travel to Iran, while those currently in the country are being assisted in leaving safely.
“UAE airspace is open and both Indian and UAE carriers are operating services to multiple Indian destinations. Flights are also functioning from Saudi Arabia and Oman. Qatar airspace is partially open with services by Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Qatar Airways. Iraq has resumed limited operations, while Israel has reopened its airspace with restricted flight movement,” Mahajan said.
Amid concerns over maritime security, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said there have been no incidents involving Indian merchant vessels or Indian seafarers in the past three days. Director Opesh Kumar Sharma said all Indian seafarers in the region remain safe and that maritime operations continue without disruption.
“The Ministry, in coordination with the MEA and Indian missions abroad, is ensuring the welfare of seafarers and uninterrupted shipping activities. Port operations across India remain normal and no congestion has been reported,” Sharma said.
He added that the DG Shipping control room has handled nearly 8,889 calls and over 19,758 emails since its activation. Authorities have also facilitated the safe return of more than 3,096 seafarers from Gulf nations so far, including 77 evacuations in the last 72 hours.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is closely tracking geopolitical developments in the region and will continue issuing advisories and updates as the situation unfolds. Mahajan further said Indian embassies and consulates across West Asia are operating round-the-clock helplines and actively assisting citizens with travel advisories, consular support and coordination with local authorities.
The briefing comes amid indications from Tehran signalling a possible de-escalation in regional tensions, while simultaneously urging the United States to abandon what Iran described as a “one-sided approach”, lift economic sanctions, end “maritime piracy” and release frozen Iranian assets.