India steps up Iran evacuation, activates 24/7 'war room' amid West Asia turmoil

The Government of India has launched a massive repatriation and monitoring operation to ensure the safety of its citizens. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Monday that 2,549 Indian nationals have already been successfully moved out of Iran, primarily through coordinated land border routes and facilitated travel through neighbouring countries.

To manage the escalating crisis, the MEA has established a dedicated, round-the-clock special control room. This "War Room" has become a lifeline for the Indian diaspora and their families back home. According to official data, the centre has handled an overwhelming surge of communication since its activation, including 8,889 phone calls and 19,758 emails from concerned citizens.

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Additional Secretary Aseem R Mahajan, during an inter-ministerial briefing on Monday, spoke about the government's tireless commitment.

"The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the developments in the Gulf and West Asia region. Our efforts are focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of the large Indian community in the region," Mahajan stated. "The dedicated special control room in the Ministry is operational to respond to queries from Indian nationals and their families round-the-clock," he said.

Track our live coverage of the Iran war here. 

Beyond the evacuation from Iran, the government has also facilitated the safe repatriation of over 3,096 seafarers from high-risk Gulf waters in coordination with the Director General of Shipping. While airspaces in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain remain largely operational, the MEA has issued a strict advisory urging all Indian nationals to avoid travel to Iran and recommending that those currently in the country leave as soon as possible.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated the government's vigilance in tracking these geopolitical shifts.

"We are following developments in the West Asia region and, as and when we have those developments to bring before you, we have been issuing statements and press releases to keep you abreast," Jaiswal said.

The multi-agency effort remains focused on the welfare of nearly nine million Indians residing across West Asia. Plans are currently in place to scale up evacuation flights should the security situation in neighbouring regions deteriorate further.

"Our embassies and consulates in the region are operating round-the-clock helplines to provide timely assistance. They are proactively assisting our citizens and remaining in close touch with local governments," Mahajan concluded.