India Urges Citizens to Exit Iran Immediately Amid Rising Tensions
New Delhi has issued a strong advisory for Indian nationals in Iran to leave the country without delay. This urgent call comes as Iran faces mass protests and a looming threat of attack from the United States. The government is emphasizing the use of all available transport options, including commercial flights, since Iranian airspace remains open for now.
Foreign Ministers Discuss Evolving Situation
Later in the evening, India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar received a phone call from his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Jaishankar shared on social media platform X that they talked about the rapidly changing circumstances in and around Iran. This high-level discussion highlights the seriousness of the situation and India's active diplomatic engagement.
Safety of 9,000 Indians Becomes Top Priority
For India, the immediate focus is on ensuring the safety and security of approximately 9,000 Indian citizens currently residing in Iran. This diverse group includes:
- 2,000 medical students pursuing their education in Iranian institutions.
- 4,000 seminary students engaged in religious studies.
- 2,000 fishermen working in coastal regions of Iran.
- The remaining individuals consist mostly of workers, pilgrims, and a floating population.
The Indian foreign ministry has clearly stated its position in an official advisory. "In view of the ongoing developments in Iran, Indian nationals are once again strongly advised to avoid travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice," the advisory emphasized. This warning applies not only to those already in Iran but also to any Indians considering travel to the country in the near future.
The government's proactive stance reflects growing concerns about regional stability. With commercial flights still operational, authorities are urging citizens to take advantage of this window of opportunity for safe departure. The situation remains fluid, and Indian officials continue to monitor developments closely while coordinating evacuation plans if necessary.
