MEA Secretary Sripriya Ranganathan Holds Virtual Meeting on Indian Safety in West Asia

Ms Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa, and Overseas Indian Affairs) in the Ministry of External Affairs convened 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 the meeting yesterday, Ms Ranganathan highlighted key points from the suo moto Statement in Parliament yesterday by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.

The Secretary also gave updates on the efforts being undertaken by Indian Embassies and Consulates to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian nationals in the region. She also requested for the assistance of States/UTs in the dissemination of updated information and Advisories being issued regularly by Indian Embassies and Consulates.

Ms Ranganathan also outlined the steps being taken by Ministry of Civil Aviation, in close coordination with Indian Embassies and Consulates, to facilitate the return to India of stranded Indian passengers and those on short-term visits in the region, which had enabled the safe return of over 67 thousand Indians since the start of the conflict on 28th of February.

In a social media post, External Affairs Ministry said the meeting discussed steps to further strengthen the coordination with States/UTs through MEA’s Special Control Room, as well as through Regional Passport Offices and MEA Branch Secretariats in India.