The move comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Indian nationals as protests have intensified across the country.
The Government of India has intensified preparations to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran as the security situation in the country continues to deteriorate due to widespread unrest. According to official sources, the first group of Indians could be flown back to India as early as tomorrow, depending on ground conditions.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is closely monitoring the situation and has activated contingency plans to ensure the safe return of Indians who wish to leave Iran. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has begun identifying Indian citizens, especially students, seeking evacuation.
Due to severe internet shutdowns and unreliable phone services across several regions in Iran, embassy officials are travelling physically to different areas to reach Indian nationals and collect their details. A government source said this step has been taken as digital communication remains largely unavailable.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Indian nationals as protests have intensified across the country. What began as demonstrations over the sharp fall in the Iranian currency has now escalated into widespread political unrest across all 31 provinces. Human rights groups have alleged that thousands of people have been killed during the crackdown by security forces.
Official estimates suggest that more than 10,000 Indian nationals, including a large number of students, are currently living in Iran. Earlier this week, India issued a strong advisory urging its citizens to leave the country at the earliest using available commercial flights or other means.
The Indian Embassy has advised students, pilgrims, businesspersons, and tourists to keep their travel documents ready and remain in regular contact with embassy officials. Indian nationals have also been asked to avoid protest sites, limit non-essential movement, and stay alert.
“All Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin are advised to exercise extreme caution and stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Iran,” the advisory said.
Meanwhile, diplomatic engagement between the two countries is ongoing. Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi recently spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss the evolving situation and the safety of Indian citizens.
Officials in New Delhi have said evacuation plans will be carried out swiftly if the situation worsens further, with the safety of Indian nationals remaining the government’s top priority.
