The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has established a dedicated control room to ensure the safety of Indian nationals amid escalating tensions in West Asia. This was announced on May 11, during an inter-ministerial briefing where officials outlined the measures taken to facilitate repatriation and maintain maritime trade stability. Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary of the MEA, emphasised the operational nature of the control room, which is tasked with offering real-time updates and supporting the welfare of citizens abroad.

Mahajan also stated that the MEA maintains constant communication with state governments, enhancing information sharing for families concerned about their relatives in the region. Despite the ongoing volatility, he provided an update on the evolving travel situations, noting marked improvements in flight operations despite some regional restrictions.

Successful Evacuations and Changing Airspace Conditions

The Indian Embassy in Tehran reported that it has successfully facilitated the evacuation of 2,549 Indian nationals through land border routes. Indian citizens are currently advised to refrain from all travel to Iran, and those present in the country are encouraged to leave with the embassy’s support. Flights are operating from various countries in the region, with UAE airspace fully operational, allowing Indian air carriers to conduct flights to numerous destinations in India.

Further updates indicate that the airspace in Saudi Arabia and Oman is also available for operations, while Qatar’s airspace remains partially open. Indian carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, and Qatar Airways are currently offering flights, ensuring connectivity despite the geopolitical situation. The MEA has stressed the importance of monitoring these developments closely for both the safety of Indian nationals and the implications for maritime operations.

Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, confirmed a period of relative calm for Indian vessels in the region. No incidents involving Indian flag merchant vessels or seafarers have been reported in recent days, indicative of the ministry’s continued coordination with the MEA and other maritime stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Ongoing Communication and Support Measures for Nationals

The control room at the Directorate General of Shipping has handled numerous queries since its activation, receiving over 8,889 calls and more than 19,758 emails as of the latest count. In the last 24 hours alone, there were 21 calls and 112 emails. Efforts have so far resulted in the safe repatriation of over 3,096 seafarers, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of Indians in maritime professions.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated the government’s vigilance in tracking geopolitical shifts and promptly issuing updates as necessary. The MEA remains in regular contact with state and central authorities to coordinate assistance and communicate clear information to the Indian community in West Asia.

Embassies and consulates in the region have been operational around the clock, providing essential support to Indian citizens. Local guidelines, travel details, and consular services are being regularly updated to assist those affected by the ongoing crisis. The embassies are also engaged with resident Indian organisations to ensure their concerns are addressed and welfare measures are upheld, particularly for seafarers seeking to return home.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share