MEA Gears Up to Assist Indian Nationals Seeking Safe Exit From Iran Amid Protests
India's MEA is preparing to assist Indian nationals in Iran who wish to return home amid worsening protests and reported deaths.
As unrest in Iran continues to escalate, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively preparing to assist Indian citizens who wish to return home safely. The move comes amid reports of widespread protests and over 4,000 deaths in just three weeks, making the security situation increasingly volatile. Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin in Iran have been urged to leave the country by any available means, including commercial flights, while non-essential travel to the region is strongly discouraged until further notice.
The current wave of unrest in Iran was initially triggered by deepening economic woes, including skyrocketing inflation, a rapidly depreciating currency, and rising costs of essentials. These economic grievances have morphed into broader anti-government demonstrations across multiple cities. The Iranian government’s response has been severe, with authorities cracking down on protesters using lethal force, prompting thousands of casualties and reports of hospitals overwhelmed with victims.
MEA officials have emphasized that Indians in Iran maintain heightened vigilance, avoid protest areas, and stay in close contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran. Citizens have been instructed to monitor official and media sources for updates and keep travel and identification documents, such as passports, readily accessible. The Indian Embassy remains the primary point of contact for those facing difficulties or seeking assistance with evacuation.
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The MEA’s guidance underscores the importance of situational awareness and preparedness. Indian citizens are advised to follow local advisories carefully, avoid public demonstrations, and report any emergencies to embassy officials immediately. The ministry continues to assess the evolving situation to facilitate voluntary and safe returns as necessary.
Complicating matters, international tensions have risen as US President Donald Trump announced that the White House has dispatched aid to Iranian protestors, further straining Tehran-Washington relations. In response, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued warnings of strong retaliation against potential US military interventions, heightening geopolitical uncertainty.
The MEA continues to monitor the situation on the ground in Tehran, coordinating with local authorities and international partners to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian citizens. Meanwhile, the unrest in Iran serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by foreign nationals in conflict zones, with the ministry reiterating its commitment to providing timely support and guidance.
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