India has evacuated more than 550 of its citizens from Iran through a land route via Armenia as tensions continue to escalate in West Asia.
According to reports, the evacuation has been coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Tehran, which have been assisting stranded nationals in travelling safely to border crossing points before entering Armenia.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed his appreciation to the government of Armenia for its assistance in facilitating the safe transit of Indian citizens across the border.
https://x.com/drsjaishankar/status/2033462933808693594?s=46
“Thank the Government and the people of Armenia for facilitating the safe evacuation of over 550 Indian nationals from Iran so far. Appreciate their support in these challenging times,” Jaishankar posted on X.
Advisory Issued to Indians in Iran
The Government of India issued a travel advisory urging Indian nationals in Iran to remain vigilant and consider leaving the country using available means due to the evolving security situation in the region.
The Ministry of External Affairs has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to Iran and asked those currently there, including students, pilgrims, businesspersons and professionals to stay in close contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran.
Authorities have also encouraged Indians to keep their travel documents ready and monitor official updates, while the embassy continues to provide emergency helplines and assistance for those planning to exit the country.
MEA Assisting Those Who Wish to Leave
According to External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, around 9,000 Indian nationals are currently living in Iran. The government is assisting those who wish to leave the country by helping them reach nearby countries for evacuation.
“We’ve had about 9,000 Indian nationals who were there or who are there in Iran. These 9,000 Indian nationals comprise students, seafarers, business people, professionals and some pilgrims…Several Indian nationals, mostly students, left the country and reached home. We have shifted several Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims, who were based in Tehran to other safer locations and cities in the country,” the MEA spokesperson said reportedly.
Travel and Visa Support Being Provided
EAM Spokesperson Jaiswal added that the government is also helping Indian nationals with travel arrangements and visa procedures to enable their safe exit from Iran.
“We are also assisting Indian nationals who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there to take commercial flights to return home. We are assisting them with visas. We are also assisting them with land border crossings,” he added.
The evacuation efforts are part of India’s broader policy to safeguard its citizens overseas during times of conflict, political unrest or natural disasters. Through the Ministry of External Affairs and its diplomatic missions, the government regularly monitors global developments and takes swift action when the safety of Indian nationals may be at risk.
In such situations, embassies coordinate closely with local authorities, neighbouring countries and international partners to organise safe transit routes, arrange travel documents and provide logistical assistance.
Over the years, India has carried out several large-scale evacuation operations to bring its citizens home from conflict zones and crisis-hit regions, reflecting its commitment to protecting the welfare and security of Indians living, studying or working abroad.