Kamal Ghorui
Amid the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up a special control room to assist Indian nationals who may be affected by the ongoing crisis and travel disruptions. In a press release issued on March 4, 2026, the Ministry said the control room will function daily from 9 am to 9 pm and can be contacted through dedicated helpline numbers.
MEA Press release
Travellers and Indian citizens seeking assistance can reach the MEA control room at: 1800118797 (toll free)+91 11 2301 2113+91 11 2301 4104+91 11 2301 7905The move comes as tensions in the region have triggered airspace restrictions, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions across several Middle Eastern countries, leaving many travellers uncertain about their plans.
Emergency contacts issued for Indian missions
Additionally, the MEA has disseminated emergency contact details for Indian embassies throughout the area, enabling Indian citizens to get in touch with local missions immediately in the event that they need immediate help.The emergency contact numbers are:Bahrain: +973 39418071Iran: +989128109115 / +989128109102 / +989128109109 / +989932179359Iraq: +964 771 651 1185 / +964 770444 4899Israel: +972 54 7520711 / +972 54 2428378Jordan: +962 770 422 276Kuwait: +965 65501946Lebanon: +961 76860128Oman: +968 98282270 (WhatsApp) / 80071234 (toll free)Qatar: +974 55647502Ramallah, Palestine: +970 592916418Saudi Arabia (Riyadh): +966 11 4884697 / 800 247 1234 (toll free)Saudi Arabia (Jeddah): +966 126648660 / +966 12 2614093United Arab Emirates: +971 543090571 (WhatsApp) / 800 46342 (toll free)The ministry said Indian nationals in the region can contact these numbers for emergency assistance, travel-related concerns, or safety guidance.
Growing travel uncertainty in the region
This comes as some countries in the region have announced the closure or restrictions of their airspaces amid the recent military escalation between Iran, the US, and Israel. Major air routes connecting Europe, Asia, and the GCC countries have been impacted by the disruptions; several airlines have been forced to cease flights to some of the region’s most important destinations as well as cancel, reroute, or delay flights.With travel plans affected and thousands of passengers facing uncertainty, the MEA said the control room and embassy helplines have been established to provide support and information to Indian nationals during the ongoing situation.
