Remain vigilant, follow official advisories: Indian Embassy to Indians in Saudi

The Embassy of India in Riyadh on Sunday issued an advisory for Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia in light of the prevailing situation in the region. Indians currently in Saudi are advised to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities and the Indian Embassy, noted the advisory.

“All Indian Nationals currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to continue to remain vigilant, strictly adhere to the safety guidelines prevalent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and follow advisories issued by the local authorities and the Embassy," it wrote in the advisory, dated March 15.

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The Embassy urged the citizens not to circulate or repost videos or news related to ongoing events. It requested the Indian community impacted in the region to follow its official social media accounts for updates.

It also reiterated that it has issued 24×7 emergency helpline numbers for Indian nationals in Riyadh and Jeddah:

Emergency Contact | Embassy of India in Riyadh

• 00-966-11-4884697
• 00-966-542126748 (Whatsapp only)
• 800 247 1234 (Toll-Free)
• Email: cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in

Emergency Contact | Consulate General of India, Jeddah

• WhatsApp No. : +966 536209704
• Landline No. : 00 966 126648660 / 00 966 12 2614093
• Mobile No. : +966 556122301
• Toll Free No. : 800 244 0003
• Email : conscw.jeddah@mea.gov.in, vclab.jeddah@mea.gov.in

Social media handles to track latest advisories

• X: @IndianEmbRiyadh
• Facebook: IndiainSaudiArabia
• Instagram: indianembriyadh
• LinkedIn: Embassy of India in Riyadh

The Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are functioning normally, including outsourced services through VFS, noted the Embassy. It highlighted that Indian airlines have resumed operations from Riyadh, subject to availability.

It also said that:

• Consular camps are continuing on a regular basis
• Air travel remains operational
• Indian and Saudi carriers are operating scheduled flights between Saudi cities and India
• Flights are running from Jeddah and Madinah to India
• Saudi carriers are operating flights from Riyadh and Dammam

US-Israel-Iran war enters third week

Over the weekend, escalations in the Middle East entered their third week since joint US-Israel strikes against Tehran killed Iran's Supreme Leader.

The death of Ali Khamenei immediately led to Tehran's retaliatory strikes against several countries in the region, with Iran particularly targeting countries hosting American bases.

Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to maintain the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict. The US -- under President Donald Trump -- is pushing back strongly with plans for military action to reopen it.

According to Mojtaba, Iran must use the leverage of blocking the Strait of Hormuz as the enemy is vulnerable there, according to foreign media reports.

He has also urged Iran's Middle Eastern neighbours to stop hosting US bases.

Meanwhile, the 47th American president claimed last week that there was “practically nothing left” for US forces to target in Iran after weeks of intense strikes.

The POTUS has expressed disappointment in the new leader's intent and prioritised stopping Tehran's nuclear program over oil price spikes.

India-Saudi talks this month

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in talks with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman.

The two leaders discussed the evolving situation in West Asia. PM Modi strongly condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia, noting that they are in violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Both leaders also agreed that the earliest restoration of regional peace and stability was of utmost importance.

The PM thanked the Saudi leader for looking after the well-being of the Indian community in his country.

"Discussed the evolving situation in West Asia with Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman. India condemns the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia in violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We agreed that earliest restoration of regional peace and stability is of utmost importance. I thanked him for looking after the well-being of the Indian community in these difficult times," the PM wrote on X.

Here are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the subject:

Why has the Indian Embassy in Riyadh issued an advisory?

The move is in light of the prevailing regional situation in West Asia and escalating tensions in the Middle East.

What has the Embassy advised Indians in Saudi Arabia to do?

It has asked Indian nationals to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities and the Indian Embassy.

How can Indians in Saudi Arabia get emergency assistance?

The Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah have issued 24×7 emergency helpline numbers and email contacts for Indian nationals.

Are Indian diplomatic services in Saudi Arabia functioning normally?

Yes.

Are flights between India and Saudi Arabia operating?

Yes. Indian and Saudi carriers are operating scheduled flights between Saudi cities and India.

What triggered the latest tensions in West Asia?

Escalations intensified after joint US-Israel strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, leading to retaliatory attacks by Iran and rising tensions in the region.