India Brings 345 Stranded Fishermen Home From Iran via Armenia in Major Evacuation Effort

In a significant evacuation effort amid rising tensions in West Asia, a group of 345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran safely returned home on Saturday via Armenia. The operation is part of India’s ongoing measures to ensure the safety of its nationals caught in the conflict-hit region, which has witnessed increasing instability over the past month.

The fishermen arrived in Chennai later in the evening, where authorities coordinated their reception and further arrangements. While officials have not yet detailed the exact circumstances that led to the group being stranded in Iran, sources indicated that disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict and restrictions on movement may have contributed to their situation. The return of such a large group highlights the logistical coordination involved in evacuation efforts under challenging geopolitical conditions.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for the support extended by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and the government of Armenia. In a message shared publicly, he thanked them for facilitating the safe transit of Indian nationals through Armenian territory, underscoring the importance of international cooperation during crisis situations.

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Officials noted that this evacuation is part of a broader operation that has already enabled more than 1,500 Indian nationals to leave Iran through land border crossings into Armenia and Azerbaijan since the conflict began over a month ago. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that it is closely monitoring developments in the region and remains committed to ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of Indian citizens abroad through continuous coordination with foreign governments and diplomatic missions.

In a related incident reflecting the wider regional volatility, five Indian nationals were injured in Abu Dhabi after debris from an intercepted missile fell in a populated area. Authorities confirmed that four of the injured have since been discharged, while one remains under medical care. The Indian embassy is in constant touch with local authorities and is providing full assistance to those affected, as India continues to respond proactively to emerging risks faced by its citizens in West Asia.

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