NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has set up a special control room to assist Indian nationals affected by the escalating crisis in West Asia and the Gulf region. The move comes amid growing security concerns as tensions continue to rise across the region.“A Control Room has been set up in the Ministry of External Affairs in view of the current situation in West Asia and the Gulf region,” the MEA said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the MEA said nearly one crore Indian citizens reside in West Asia, adding that their safety and well-being remain of “utmost priority” for the government.“The Control Room can be contacted from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm at: 1800118797 (Toll Free) +91 11 2301 2113, +91 11 2301 4104, +91 11 2301 7905,” the statement added. The MEA said the government will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and take appropriate decisions in the national interest. It added that New Delhi remains in contact with governments in the region as well as other key international partners.Meanwhile, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah on Tuesday said it is extending full support to Indian nationals travelling on special flights from the city amid regional travel disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.In a statement, the Consulate said Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, along with senior officials, visited King Abdulaziz International Airport to review arrangements for Indian passengers departing on non-scheduled flights to various destinations in India.The special flights, operated by Indian carriers, have been arranged to mitigate the impact of recent disruptions and facilitate the return of affected passengers.The United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, in what has become one of the most significant escalations in the region in decades.In the days that followed, Iran has carried out a series of retaliatory attacks, primarily targeting Israel and US military bases across several Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.