India sets up control room amid Iran–Israel conflict; Emergency helplines issued for Indians in Gulf

The Government of India has set up a dedicated Control Room in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in view of the escalating security situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, prioritising the safety and assistance of Indian nationals, including students and expatriates.

The Control Room will operate daily from 9 am to 9 pm and can be reached through the following numbers: 1800118797 (Toll Free), +91 11 2301 2113, +91 11 2301 4104, and +91 11 2301 7905. Officials said the mechanism has been activated to ensure real-time coordination, emergency response support, and timely communication for families seeking assistance.

In addition to the central Control Room, Indian Embassies across the region have also issued emergency contact numbers to assist citizens on the ground. These include

Bahrain: +973 39418071

Iran: +98 9128109115 / +98 912810910 / +98 912810910 / +98 932179359

Iraq: +964 771 651 1185 / +964 770444 4899

Israel: +972 54 7520711 / +972 54 2428378

Jordan: +962 770 422 276

Kuwait: + 965 65501946

Lebanon: +961 76860128

Oman: +968 98282270 (WhatsApp) / 80071234 (Toll-free)

Qatar: +974 55647502

Ramallah, Palestine: +970 592916418

Saudi Arabia (Riyadh): +966 11 4884697 / 800 247 1234 (Toll-Free)

Saudi Arabia (Jeddah): +966 126648660 / +966 12 2614093

United Arab Emirates: +971 543090571 (WhatsApp) / 800 46342 (Toll-free)

The move comes amid a major military confrontation between Iran, Israel and the United States that has dramatically heightened regional tensions. A coordinated series of air strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran on February 28 resulted in heavy bombing of Iranian targets and, according to reports, the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been in contact with counterparts in several Gulf countries, emphasising the importance of de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy. India has reiterated its strong interest in regional peace and stability, highlighting the need to safeguard the large Indian community living and working across the Middle East.