India Activates Emergency Helplines for Nationals Amid Rising Gulf Tensions

New Delhi: March 1, 2026:

In view of escalating tensions in the Gulf and the wider Middle East region since February 28, 2026, the Government of India has activated dedicated emergency helplines through its diplomatic missions to assist Indian nationals residing in or travelling across affected countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in coordination with Indian embassies and consulates, has issued advisories urging citizens to remain calm, stay updated through official channels, and maintain contact with local missions where necessary. The move is part of precautionary outreach efforts aimed at ensuring the safety and welfare of the Indian diaspora across the region.

Country-wise Emergency Helplines

Indian missions have operationalised phone, WhatsApp and email-based assistance systems in the following countries:

Qatar (Doha)

Helpline: 00974-55647502

cons.doha@mea.gov.in

United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi / Dubai)

Toll-free: 800-46342

WhatsApp: +971543090571

pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in / ca.abudhabi@mea.gov.in

Saudi Arabia (Riyadh / Jeddah)

Toll-free: 800-247-1234

Riyadh Helpline: 00-966-11-4884697

WhatsApp: 00-966-542126748

cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in

Bahrain (Manama)

Helpline: 00973-39418071

Kuwait (Kuwait City)

24×7 Emergency: +965-65501946

community.kuwait@mea.gov.in

Oman (Muscat)

Community Toll-free: 80071234

WhatsApp: +968 93577979

Consular Helpline: 24695981

Iran (Tehran)

Consular Helpline: +98 912 810 9115

+98 912 810 9109

+98 912 810 9102

+98 993 217 9359

Officials have emphasised that these lines remain active and are being monitored continuously to respond to requests for assistance, clarification on travel, documentation concerns, or other urgent matters.

Central Support from India

For those unable to immediately reach missions abroad, the MEA has also made available 24×7 support lines in India:

MEA Control Room:

+91-11-23011954

+91-11-23012292

+91-11-23017160

MADAD Citizen Helpline (toll-free):

1800-11-3090

The MADAD platform enables coordination between families in India and Indian missions overseas to facilitate timely response during emergencies.

Advisory and Registration

The Government has encouraged Indian nationals in the region to:

• Register with their respective Indian mission, where possible.
• Follow advisories issued by host governments and Indian embassies.
• Monitor official embassy websites and verified social media accounts for real-time updates.
• Exercise caution and avoid sharing unverified information circulating online.

Authorities have also cautioned citizens against responding to unofficial emails or social media accounts. All legitimate communication from Indian missions uses the “@mea.gov.in” domain and verified embassy handles.

Diplomatic Engagement

While activating precautionary mechanisms, India continues to maintain close diplomatic engagement with regional governments and relevant stakeholders. Officials have reiterated India’s longstanding position in favour of dialogue, de-escalation and regional stability.

With millions of Indian nationals living and working across the Gulf region, the outreach underscores New Delhi’s commitment to ensuring their safety and welfare during periods of uncertainty.

The MEA has stated that further advisories will be issued as required, and citizens are encouraged to remain in regular contact with official channels for accurate and timely information.

By Catholic Connect Reporter