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India Prepares Evacuation Flights for Nationals in Iran Amid Unrest

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is making preparations to facilitate the return of Indian nationals from Iran amid escalating protests and a deteriorating security situation. The government has issued a fresh advisory strongly urging citizens to avoid all travel to Iran and has asked those already there to leave immediately using commercial flights. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has provided emergency contact numbers and urged all Indians to register with it, while also advising them to avoid areas of protest. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently discussed the evolving situation with his Iranian counterpart.

Key Points: India Advises Citizens to Leave Iran, MEA Prepares Evacuation

  • MEA preparing to facilitate returns
  • Advisory against all travel to Iran
  • Embassy urges immediate departure
  • Emergency contacts provided for citizens
3 min read

MEA making preparations to facilitate return of Indian nationals amid evolving situation in Iran: Sources

India issues travel advisory for Iran, prepares to facilitate return of nationals. Embassy provides emergency contacts. Latest updates on the situation.

"Indian nationals are once again strongly advised to avoid travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice. - Ministry of External Affairs"

New Delhi, January 15

The Ministry of External Affairs is preparing to facilitate the return of Indian nationals to India from Iran amid the evolving situation in the country, according to sources.

On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday received a telephone call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. The two leaders discussed the evolving situation in and around Iran.

"Received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. We discussed the evolving situation in and around Iran," Jaishankar said in a post on X.

Earlier, the MEA issued an advisory urging Indian citizens to avoid travel to Iran until further notice and has asked those already in Iran to leave immediately using available commercial flights.

"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 MEA said in a release.

The fresh warning follows an earlier advisory issued by the Centre on January 5, amid mounting concerns about the worsening security situation in Iran.

Separately, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised Indian nationals currently in Iran to leave the country at the earliest opportunity.

"In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on January 5, 2025, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights," it said.

The advisory reiterated that all Indian citizens and PIOs should exercise due caution and "avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments."

"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 embassy also provided emergency contact helplines.

"Mobile Numbers: +989128109115; +989128109109; +989128109102; +989932179359. Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in. All Indian nationals who are in Iran, and who have not registered with the Indian Embassy, are requested to do so on the link (https://www.meaers.com/request/home). The link is also available on the Embassy website. In case any Indian national is unable to register due to internet disruptions in Iran, their families in India are requested to do so," the advisory said.

The advisory comes as protests continue to escalate across Iran, with reports of clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in an estimated death toll ranging from under 3,000 to over 12,000, according to Times of Israel.

The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and is working to ensure the safety of its citizens.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is a responsible step. My cousin is a student in Tehran and the family has been tense. The embassy helpline numbers and registration link are crucial. Requesting all those there to please register immediately.
R
Rohit P
While the advisory is good, I feel the initial warning on Jan 5 was too mild. The situation was clearly deteriorating. Sometimes our MEA is a bit slow to react in such crises. Hope the evacuation is swift now.
S
Sarah B
Important to note the advisory says to use *available* commercial flights. Hope Air India or other carriers are still operating routes. The government should have contingency plans ready if airspace closes.
V
Vikram M
Jaishankar Sahab directly involved is reassuring. India has good relations with Iran, which should help in ensuring safe passage for our nationals. Praying for everyone's safe return. 🙏
K
Karthik V
The death toll estimates in the report are shocking. Puts things in perspective. This is no longer just about protests. Full-blown conflict seems possible. Getting our people out is the top priority. No cost should be spared.

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