Israel-Iran Conflict: MEA Sets Up Control Room, Helpline Numbers— Is A Big Evacuation Op Coming?
This image shows a battered building in Israel following strikes by Iran. Image courtesy: X.com/@Ostrov_A
The Indian government has ramped up efforts to ensure the safety of its nationals in Iran and Israel amid escalating hostilities between the two countries. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued fresh advisories, relocated citizens from high-risk areas, and activated a 24/7 control room to coordinate emergency assistance.
In Iran, Indian students in Tehran have been moved out of the city by the Embassy for safety reasons. Other residents who are self-sufficient in arranging their own transportation have also been advised to leave the city due to the rapidly deteriorating security situation. Additionally, some Indian nationals have been helped to exit Iran through the Armenian border.
What are Indian embassies saying about Israel-Iran conflict?
The Indian Embassy in Tehran remains in continuous contact with the local community to extend all feasible assistance. “Further advisories may be issued given the fluid situation,” the MEA said in a statement issued Tuesday (June 17) from New Delhi.
In Israel, where a national emergency has been declared and airspace remains closed, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has been working closely with local authorities to support Indian nationals, including caregivers, workers, students, tourists, and business professionals.
The Embassy has urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement, while strictly following safety protocols issued by Israeli authorities and the country’s Home Front Command.
What are the govt helpline numbers for Indians in Iran?
In response to the broader regional crisis, the MEA in New Delhi has activated a 24×7 control room for emergency coordination related to both Iran and Israel. The control room can be reached at:
- 1800 118 797 (Toll free)
- +91-11-23012113
- +91-11-23014104
- +91-11-23017905
- +91-9968291988 (WhatsApp)
- Email: situationroom@mea.gov.in
For those in Iran, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has also established a 24/7 emergency contact network:
For calls only:
- +98 9128109115
- +98 9128109109
For WhatsApp:
- +98 901044557
- +98 9015993320
- +91 8086871709
Regional contacts:
- Bandar Abbas: +98 9177699036
- Zahedan: +98 9396356649
- Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in
The ministry said it continues to closely monitor the situation and is prepared to issue further advisories as required. The conflict, now into its fourth day, has resulted in mounting casualties on both sides, with Israel and Iran launching repeated strikes on cities, military sites, and critical infrastructure.
Will India undertake big evacuation operation?
India has already facilitated the movement of some people from Iran to Armenia via land border crossings as airspace restrictions remain in place. The first batch of 110 Indian nationals, who have safely crossed into Armenia, are expected to to Delhi on Wednesday (June 18), according to a report by NDTV.
The setting up of a control room could be a signal that India is planning a massive evacuation operation. The helpline numbers would be key for smoothly coordinating an operation of this sort. Reports suggest there are 10,000 Indians in Iran, including 1,500 students studying in various universities across the country.
The hint towards a big evacuation operation also comes from US President Donald Trump’s statement where he has said that everyone must evacuate Tehran. Other nations, such as Poland, Lithuania, and Czech Republic have announced plans to evacuate their citizens from Israel in light of the continued fighting.
Their move points to the strong concern about regional instability in West Asia. If India’s threat analysis aligns with theirs, it might follow suit.
However, it is important to remember that reports have suggested Iran has been sending urgent signals to Israel and US via Arab intermediaries like Oman and Saudi Arabia, showing its willingness for a ceasefire.
Tehran has suggested to Trump that Iran will be flexible in nuclear negotiations if the US stays out of the current conflict with Israel.
