Evacuation of Indians from protest-hit Iran put on hold as situation improves
The Indian government is keeping a close watch on the situation in Iran, but for now has put the immediate evacuation plan of its citizens on hold after assessing the ground situation.
The Government of India has drawn up contingency plans to evacuate stranded Indian nationals from Iran amid rising safety concerns due to ongoing unrest in the country. However, sources have clarified to India Today that the evacuation plan is not being executed immediately, following the latest assessment of the situation on the ground. Preparations remain in place to ensure a swift response if the situation deteriorates further.
Government sources told India Today that the Indian Embassy in Tehran has begun reaching out to Indian students across different regions to assess their situation and willingness to leave if required. Students have been advised to remain in close contact with the embassy and follow official advisories.
The outreach exercise is being conducted largely through physical means, as internet services remain suspended in several areas and telephone connectivity is unreliable. Embassy officials are moving on the ground to identify students and collect their details due to limited digital communication facilities.
Embassy officials are physically reaching out to Indian students and nationals because internet connectivity is unavailable and telecommunication services are intermittent,” a government source said, adding that the situation is being monitored continuously.
Concerns over the safety of Indian students have grown amid widespread protests across Iran. The unrest began late last month following a sharp plunge in the Iranian rial and has since spread to all 31 provinces, evolving into broader political demonstrations. Rights groups claim that at least 3,428 people have been killed in a crackdown on nationwide protests, with conditions deteriorating sharply in recent days.
According to official estimates, more than 10,000 Indians, including students, are currently residing in Iran. On Wednesday, India advised all its nationals in the country to leave by available means and avoid non-essential travel to Iran.
Earlier, in a formal advisory, the Indian Embassy in Tehran urged students, pilgrims, businesspeople, and tourists to exit Iran using commercial flights or any other available transport options.
"All Indian nationals in Iran are requested to also have their travel and immigration documents, including passports and IDs, readily available with them. They are requested to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance in this regard," the advisory read.
"It is reiterated that all Indian citizens and PIOS should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments," it further added.
Earlier, amid the growing unrest in Iran, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi also called Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar to discuss the existing situation.
The Government of India has drawn up contingency plans to evacuate stranded Indian nationals from Iran amid rising safety concerns due to ongoing unrest in the country. However, sources have clarified to India Today that the evacuation plan is not being executed immediately, following the latest assessment of the situation on the ground. Preparations remain in place to ensure a swift response if the situation deteriorates further.
Government sources told India Today that the Indian Embassy in Tehran has begun reaching out to Indian students across different regions to assess their situation and willingness to leave if required. Students have been advised to remain in close contact with the embassy and follow official advisories.
The outreach exercise is being conducted largely through physical means, as internet services remain suspended in several areas and telephone connectivity is unreliable. Embassy officials are moving on the ground to identify students and collect their details due to limited digital communication facilities.
Embassy officials are physically reaching out to Indian students and nationals because internet connectivity is unavailable and telecommunication services are intermittent,” a government source said, adding that the situation is being monitored continuously.
Concerns over the safety of Indian students have grown amid widespread protests across Iran. The unrest began late last month following a sharp plunge in the Iranian rial and has since spread to all 31 provinces, evolving into broader political demonstrations. Rights groups claim that at least 3,428 people have been killed in a crackdown on nationwide protests, with conditions deteriorating sharply in recent days.
According to official estimates, more than 10,000 Indians, including students, are currently residing in Iran. On Wednesday, India advised all its nationals in the country to leave by available means and avoid non-essential travel to Iran.
Earlier, in a formal advisory, the Indian Embassy in Tehran urged students, pilgrims, businesspeople, and tourists to exit Iran using commercial flights or any other available transport options.
"All Indian nationals in Iran are requested to also have their travel and immigration documents, including passports and IDs, readily available with them. They are requested to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance in this regard," the advisory read.
"It is reiterated that all Indian citizens and PIOS should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments," it further added.
Earlier, amid the growing unrest in Iran, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi also called Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar to discuss the existing situation.