India on Wednesday directed its nationals in Iran to leave the country immediately as tensions mounted over possible military intervention by the US over Tehran’s crackdown on nationwide protests that has killed over 2,500 even as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with his Iranian counterpart to discuss the crisis.“Received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. We discussed the evolving situation in and around Iran,” Jaishankar posted on X, signalling direct diplomatic engagement between the two countries as tensions mount.In a fresh advisory, the Indian Embassy in Tehran urged Indian citizens, including students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists, to leave Iran using all available means of transport. The advisory follows an earlier travel warning issued on January 5 and reflects growing concern within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) over the volatile situation on the ground.“In view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport,” the embassy stated, urging Indians to exercise extreme caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations and maintain close contact with the mission.The MEA’s advisory from New Delhi also reiterated the strong recommendation that Indian citizens avoid all travel to Iran until further notice, underscoring the fluid and potentially dangerous circumstances. Indians currently in Iran have been asked to ensure that their travel and immigration documents, including passports and identity cards, are readily accessible and to reach out to the embassy for assistance, if required.Multiple emergency helpline numbers and a dedicated embassy email have been provided to support Indians seeking guidance or evacuation assistance, while all unregistered Indian nationals have been urged to complete online registration through the MEA portal. Families in India have been asked to assist relatives who may be unable to register due to internet disruptions.The advisory comes amid one of the most serious waves of unrest Iran has seen in years. What began in late December as protests over deepening economic distress and a plunging currency has escalated into widespread demonstrations across dozens of cities and provinces, with demands now extending beyond economic grievances to broader challenges against the Islamic Republic’s leadership.While the MEA has not disclosed the exact number of Indian nationals currently in Iran, India has in recent years conducted evacuation operations from conflict and crisis zones in West Asia, underscoring the government’s emphasis on safeguarding its citizens abroad. Officials said New Delhi will continue to monitor developments closely and issue further advisories as required.
