Operation To Bring Home Indians From Iran Helps 2,557 Citizens Return Amid West Asia Tensions

The Indian government has helped 2,557 Indian nationals return from Iran since the beginning of the West Asia conflict in February, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The evacuation efforts were carried out amid security concerns following military escalations involving Israel, the United States and Iran. Responding to a question in the Upper House, Singh said the Indian Embassy in Tehran facilitated the cross-border movement of Indian citizens from Iran to neighbouring countries, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, from where they travelled to India by air.

“Since the onset of hostilities in West Asia in February 2026, the Indian embassy in Tehran has facilitated the cross-border movement of 2,557 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for their onward travel to India,” Singh said in a written reply. At the time the conflict began, Iran was home to around 10,000 Indian nationals, most of them students. Many Indian students pursuing education in Iran, particularly in medical institutions, faced uncertainty as security conditions deteriorated in the region. Thousands of Indians chose to leave Iran through land routes, travelling by road to Armenia and Azerbaijan before taking flights back to India.

The government coordinated with diplomatic missions and local authorities to support their movement and ensure safe passage. Singh said the government estimates that around 7,000 Indian nationals may still be present in Iran. The group includes seminary students, medical students, workers, seafarers and fishermen. The minister also said that India has raised concerns with Iranian authorities regarding difficulties faced by medical students who were forced to return home due to the conflict. The government is engaging with relevant authorities to address issues affecting their education and future academic plans.

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The West Asia conflict has created challenges for foreign nationals living in the region, with several countries undertaking evacuation and assistance efforts for their citizens. India has been closely monitoring the situation through its diplomatic channels. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has continued to provide updates, assistance and coordination support to Indian citizens in Iran. Officials have advised nationals in affected areas to remain in contact with the embassy and follow safety guidelines.

The government has repeatedly stated that the safety and welfare of Indians abroad remain a priority, particularly during periods of geopolitical instability. Similar evacuation operations have been carried out by India in previous international crises to bring back citizens stranded in conflict zones. With tensions continuing in parts of West Asia, Indian authorities are maintaining communication with citizens in the region and working with local governments to ensure necessary assistance is available when required.

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