As tensions rise in West Asia, India steps in to assist citizens and students across Gulf

New Delhi [India], March 18 (ANI): India's missions and posts are functioning round the clock in the region in the wake of the West Asia crisis and maintaining regular contact with a large number of Indian community associations and organisations and issuing updated advisories, a senior official said on Wednesday.
Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary, MEA, who interacted with the media during the Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, said that in recent days, there has been a marked decline in the calls and queries on mission helplines.
"Our missions and posts across the region are functioning around the clock and maintaining regular contact with a large number of Indian community associations and organisations and issuing updated advisories to keep our citizens informed," he said.
"In recent days, we have seen that there has been a marked decline in the calls and queries on our ministries and missions helplines, and an indication that many of the urgent issues relating to stranded nationals and others have been addressed," he added.
Mahajan also highlighted special measures being taken for Indian students in the Gulf region, particularly those studying with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
"We have made special efforts to address the welfare of students in the Gulf region. Our missions have been in regular coordination with the schools in the region and the CBSE," he said.
He noted that several major school boards have cancelled examinations in the region due to the ongoing conflict.
Mahajan said ICSE and Kerala board exams are also cancelled and the respective boards would announce the formulation and determination of marks in these cases.
"Our Embassy has facilitated the relocation of several Indian students in Tehran and Shiraz to other cities. All assistance is being provided via the Embassy," he said.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas provided an update on the fuel supply scenario and steps being taken to maintain steady availability of petroleum products and LPG, amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

—

This report was published from a syndicated wire feed. Apart from the headline, the EdexLive Desk has not edited the copy.