Government asks Indians to leave Iran amid rising tensions

India on Feb 23 issued a fresh advisory urging all Indian nationals in Iran to leave the country by all available means of transport, including commercial flights, as the security situation evolves amid rising US-Iran tensions and heightened domestic protests. The advisory was issued by the Embassy of India in Tehran, officials said.

In its updated guidance, the embassy reiterated the advisory issued earlier on Jan 5 and stated that Indian citizens including students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists should depart Iran in view of the evolving situation. Indian nationals in the advisory were also asked to stay in close contact with the embassy.

The mission advised Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin currently in Iran to register with the embassy if they had not already done so, and to ensure their travel and immigration documents, such as passports and identity cards, were readily available to facilitate departure. It also provided emergency contact helpline numbers and an email address for assistance.

Responding to the advisory, Indian officials emphasised the importance of exercising caution, avoiding protests, demonstrations or crowded areas, and monitoring local media for any developments that could affect safety.

According to government estimates from January, a little over 10,000 Indian nationals — primarily students — are believed to be residing in Iran.

The updated travel advisory comes amid renewed anti-government demonstrations in Tehran and growing concerns about a possible US military strike on Iran, as diplomatic talks and military posturing have heightened regional tensions.

Simultaneously, domestic unrest in Iran has intensified, with renewed anti-government demonstrations erupting on several university campuses and cities such as Tehran, as protesters demand political change and resist state crackdowns.