MEA sets up special control room for Indians affected by the West Asia and Gulf crisis
The Ministry of External Affairs set up a special control room on 4 March 2026 to assist Indian nationals affected by the conflict in West Asia and the Gulf region, with a toll-free number 1800118797.
Summary
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) set up a special control room in New Delhi on 4 March 2026 to help Indian nationals affected by the escalating conflict in West Asia and the Gulf region. The control room works from 9 am to 9 pm on the toll-free number 1800118797 and three Delhi landlines, and the MEA also issued emergency numbers for Indian missions in 13 locations, from Bahrain and Iran to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The MEA said nearly one crore Indian citizens live in West Asia and that their safety and well-being are of utmost priority. The Times of India reported that the crisis followed US and Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February, and NDTV Profit described the conflict as being in its fifth day.
Key facts
- Date
- 4 March 2026
- Set up by
- Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi
- Hours
- 9 am to 9 pm
- Toll-free
- 1800118797 (plus +91 11 2301 2113, 2301 4104, 2301 7905)
- Indians in West Asia
- Nearly one crore (MEA)
- Missions
- Emergency numbers issued for Indian missions across the region
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which ministry set up a special control room on 4 March 2026 for Indians affected by the West Asia and Gulf crisis?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Ministry of External Affairs
The Ministry of External Affairs set up the control room, working from 9 am to 9 pm.
According to the MEA in March 2026, roughly how many Indian citizens live in West Asia?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Nearly one crore
The MEA said nearly one crore Indian citizens reside in West Asia and their safety is of utmost priority.
What is the toll-free number of the MEA special control room set up on 4 March 2026 for the West Asia situation?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1800118797
The control room can be reached on the toll-free number 1800118797 and on three Delhi landline numbers from 9 am to 9 pm.