The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stepped in to clarify that Indian missions in Australia, Kuwait, and the UAE are still providing essential consular support, despite swirling rumors of a total shutdown. Official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal explained that the confusion stems from ongoing legal battles involving outsourcing agencies, which have temporarily halted routine operations through third-party providers. As a result, the missions have stepped up to manage emergency and critical cases directly from their own premises to ensure that citizens are not left without support during this administrative transition.

The current situation is largely tied to a court case in the Delhi High Court, where unsuccessful bidders have challenged the government’s decision to award new consular service contracts to Alhind Tours and Travels. Because the matter is currently sub judice, the ministry is waiting for formal directions from the court before returning to standard service protocols. In the meantime, Indian nationals residing in these countries are advised to reach out directly to their local embassy or consulate for assistance with passports, visas, and other urgent documentation needs while the legal landscape is sorted out.