India Issues Advisory, Opens Control Room for Nationals in Saudi Arabia

India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia , Suhel Ajaz Khan , on Sunday held a virtual interaction with representatives of the Indian community and reassured them of assistance following the US-Israel strikes on Iran that have heightened tensions across West Asia . He was joined by Deputy Chief of Mission Abu Mathen George and Counsellor (Community Welfare) Y Sabir during the outreach meeting.

During the interaction, the ambassador assured the community that the Embassy of India in Riyadh is fully prepared to extend support to Indian nationals in case of any emergency arising from the evolving situation in the region. Community representatives appreciated the embassy’s proactive outreach and engagement with the diaspora at a time when tensions remain high across the Middle East .

Khan also briefed participants about the initiatives taken by the mission, including the establishment of a 24/7 control room to respond quickly to requests for assistance from Indian citizens. The embassy said the facility has been set up to provide prompt support and help Indian nationals who may require guidance or emergency assistance.

The Indian mission in Saudi Arabia also issued an advisory asking citizens to remain vigilant , follow safety guidelines , and strictly adhere to instructions issued by local authorities . Officials said the Embassy in Riyadh , the Consulate in Jeddah , and outsourced services through VFS are continuing to function normally and will issue further updates if required.

Air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and India has also largely resumed, with several airlines operating flights between Riyadh , Jeddah , and Dammam and Indian cities. Both Indian and Saudi carriers have restarted normal scheduled operations from Jeddah and Madinah , allowing travellers to return after checking flight availability.

However, the regional tensions and flight disruptions have affected several travellers, including Umrah pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that many pilgrims have been stranded due to flight cancellations and airspace restrictions linked to the conflict. According to reports, around 1,800 pilgrims from Nagpur are among those affected, while smaller groups of pilgrims from other Indian cities have also faced disruptions.

Responding to the situation, the Ministry of External Affairs said it is closely monitoring developments and prioritising the safety and welfare of Indians abroad. The ministry has established a special control room , issued emergency helpline numbers , and asked Indian nationals stranded in Qatar due to flight cancellations between February 28 and March 7 to register their details so authorities can assess the situation and extend assistance where necessary.