India sets up control room as West Asia conflict intensifies

New Delhi: India established a special control room in New Delhi on Wednesday to assist citizens amid escalating US-Israel strikes on Iran, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and prompted retaliation from Tehran targeting Gulf states.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), where the facility is set up, the control room operates from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Indian time) via toll-free number 1800118797 or landlines +91-11-23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905.

Emergency embassy contacts are also listed for countries including Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, and the UAE.

Iran’s retaliatory strikes have spanned several countries, with missiles and drones intercepted over Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, prompting temporary airspace closures and resulting in both military and civilian casualties.

The intensifying confrontation has seen US forces launch counter-strikes, including naval operations, marking one of the most severe and sustained face-offs between Washington and Tehran in decades.

Earlier on Sunday, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), convened under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, was briefed on the air strikes in Iran on February 28 and the subsequent escalation in the Middle East, as well as the security of the Indian citizens in the region.

According to the official statement, the Committee was briefed on the air strikes in Iran on February 28 and the subsequent escalation, including attacks in several Gulf countries.

“It expressed serious concern over the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in the region,” the statement added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed concerns over the situation in West Asia and said that India will continue to work closely with all the countries in the region to ensure the safety and security of its nationals.

PM Modi said, “India’s stance on the several ongoing tensions around the world is firm. We have always called for maintaining peace and stability, and when two democracies stand together, the voice for peace becomes even stronger.”

Speaking on the security concerns in the Gulf nations, he said, “The current situation in West Asia is a matter of deep concern for us. India supports the resolution of all disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. To ensure the safety of all Indian nations, we will continue to work closely with all countries in the region.”
–IANS