Ministry of External Affairs
Consular Services and Crisis Management
The MEA's Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) Division is responsible for the welfare of Indian nationals abroad. During foreign crises, MEA activates emergency protocols involving coordination with Indian missions abroad, the Defence Ministry (for evacuation support), and state governments (for receiving returnees).
- India maintains embassies, high commissions, and consulates in over 180 countries.
- The Emergency Medical Evacuation Scheme and the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) provide financial assistance to distressed Indians abroad.
- MEA's 24x7 helpline (1800-11-8797 toll-free) is the standard emergency contact — the same number activated in this crisis.
- Emergency evacuation operations require DGCA and MEA coordination for special commercial or Air Force flights.
- The Vande Bharat Mission (2020, COVID-19) was India's largest peacetime evacuation — repatriating over 6 million Indians across 64 countries.
● Tracked since March 04, 2026 · last seen March 09, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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