Several Indian nationals returned safely to India from Iran late on Friday evening. They arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi as regional tensions continued to escalate.
Government Issues Advisory for Citizens
The Indian government issued a strong advisory urging all citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately. This advisory came in response to the rapidly deteriorating security situation there.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated clearly that it is closely monitoring all developments. Officials emphasized their commitment to doing whatever proves necessary for the well-being of Indian citizens abroad.
Returnees Describe Challenging Conditions
One Indian national who just returned from Iran described the situation as very bad. He expressed deep gratitude to the government for facilitating their departure.
"The conditions are bad there," he said. "The Government of India is cooperating a lot. The Embassy provided us with information on leaving Iran as early as possible. 'Modi ji hai toh har cheez mumkin hai'."
Another returnee shared his experience with ANI. He explained that conditions had worsened sharply over recent weeks.
"We were there for a month," he recounted. "But we only faced serious problems during the last one or two weeks. When we went outside, protesters would come right in front of our car. They would cause some trouble. The internet shutdown meant we couldn't tell our families anything, so we felt worried. We couldn't even contact the embassy properly."
Family Reunions at the Airport
Family members gathered eagerly at the airport to welcome their loved ones home. Among them was a family awaiting an aunt who had traveled to Iran on pilgrimage.
A relative expressed his feelings clearly. "My wife's aunt went to Iran on a pilgrimage. Iran has always been a good friend of India. We felt very confident in the Modi government, which continuously supported us. We thank the government of India for making this possible. We feel extremely happy as our family member returns to India."
Another man waited anxiously for his sister-in-law. He thanked the authorities for coordinating the evacuation effectively.
"My sister-in-law returns from Iran today," he said. "A war-like situation developed in Iran, and the internet went down completely. We could not contact her by any means. We felt deeply worried. Now we feel very happy that she returns to India safely. We thank the Government of India for making arrangements during these difficult times."
A family member of two returnees described how communication had been cut off for days. "My mother and aunt return from Iran. We felt worried because we could not contact them for three full days. They return to India today."
Embassy Issues Specific Instructions
Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Tehran issued a detailed advisory. It asked Indian nationals including students, businesspeople, pilgrims, and tourists to leave Iran using all available transport options. Commercial flights remained the primary means of departure.
The embassy cited the "evolving situation" as the reason for this urgent advisory.
Ministry Reiterates Travel Warning
Separately, the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi strongly advised Indians to avoid all travel to Iran until further notice. It reiterated a January 5 advisory urging those already in the country to remain extremely cautious.
The ministry specifically warned people to avoid any protests or demonstrations.
Background of the Unrest
The unrest began at Tehran's Grand Bazaar on December 28. It started over the sharp fall in the Iranian rial's value. The protests later spread nationwide.
The currency's dramatic decline followed multiple crises affecting Iran. These included severe water shortages, frequent power outages, rising unemployment rates, and surging inflation.
A third Indian national, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir, highlighted the real risks posed by this unrest. "I am a resident of Jammu and Kashmir. The protests there were genuinely dangerous. The Indian government made a very good effort and brought the students back safely."
