MEA monitoring developments in West Asia, efforts focused on ensuring safety of Indians 

NEW DELHI: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday that it is monitoring the developments in West Asia and their efforts are focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of the Indian community in the region.

While addressing an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia on Monday, Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), MEA, stated that Indian embassies and consulates are operating round the clock helplines to provide assistance to people. He stated that Indian missions abroad are engaged with the resident Indian community to address their concerns.

"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 Indian community in the region. We are in constant touch with the state governments and union territories for sharing information and to coordinate our efforts. The dedicated special control room in the ministry is operational to respond to queries from Indian nationals and their families. Our embassies and consulates in the region are operating round the clock helplines to provide timely assistance. They are proactively assisting our citizens. They are also in close touch with the local governments," said Secretary Mahajan.

"Updated advisories are being issued including information related to local government guidelines, flight and travel situation, consular services and the various welfare measures being undertaken for the community. Our missions are actively engaged with the resident Indian community. They are regularly interacting with the Indian community associations, organizations, professional groups and Indian companies to address their concerns. Welfare of the Indian seafarers in the region is of high priority for us. Our missions are extending all assistance to them including coordination with the local authorities and agencies, extending consular assistance and assisting for requests to return to India," he added.

Additional Secretary Mahajan also mentioned that the flight situation in Gulf is improving with additional flights operating from various destinations to India. He noted that Indian nationals have been advised to avoid travelling to Iran and urged those living there to leave from there with Embassy's support.