Ms. Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa, and Overseas Indian Affairs) in the Ministry of External Affairs, held a virtual meeting with the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to discuss the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region. During yesterday's meeting, Ms. Ranganathan highlighted key points from the suo moto statement made by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in Parliament yesterday.
The Secretary also provided updates on the efforts being undertaken by Indian Embassies and Consulates to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in the region. She also requested the assistance of States/UTs in disseminating the updated information and advisories regularly issued by Indian Embassies and Consulates.
Ms. Ranganathan also outlined the steps being taken by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, in close coordination with Indian Embassies and Consulates, to facilitate the return of stranded Indian passengers and those on short-term visits in the region. This has enabled the safe return of over 67,000 Indians since the start of the conflict on February 28th.
In a social media post, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the meeting discussed steps to further strengthen coordination with States/UTs through the MEA's Special Control Room, as well as through Regional Passport Offices and MEA Branch Secretariats in India.