India Plans Emergency Exit for Citizens in Protest-Hit Iran
India has made urgent plans to bring its citizens home from Iran as protests across the country turn more violent.
What’s happening?
Iran is seeing widespread unrest, a tough crackdown by authorities, and a week-long internet shutdown. This has raised serious safety concerns for around 9,000 to 10,000 Indians in the country, most of them students and religious pilgrims.
Key updates
Leave immediately: India’s Ministry of External Affairs has advised all Indians in Iran to leave straight away using any available option, including normal commercial flights.
Rescue flights ready: After briefly closing its airspace, Iran has reopened it. This has allowed India to arrange emergency flights, with the first group of students expected to fly out as early as Friday, 16 January.
Communication problems: With the internet down, Indian embassy staff are having to personally visit places like Tehran and Qom to locate citizens and make sure they are safe and prepared to leave.
Military support on standby: While commercial flights are being used first, military transport aircraft are ready if the situation worsens.
Advice for Indians still in Iran
The Indian Embassy has asked all citizens to:
Stay away from protests: Avoid protest areas and large gatherings.
Be prepared: Keep passports and identity documents ready in a small bag for quick travel.
Stay in touch: Ensure the embassy knows your location. Family members in India can also register details online on behalf of their relatives.
The government says the safety of Indian nationals remains its top priority.