India initiates evacuation plans for citizens amid escalating unrest in Iran
New Delhi:As protests in Iran continue to escalate into violent unrest across several regions, the Government of India has stepped up efforts to ensure the safety of Indian nationals stranded in the country. Citing security concerns, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised Indians currently in Iran to leave the country at the earliest and has simultaneously begun preparations for an organised evacuation operation.
According to official sources, the Centre has initiated emergency planning to facilitate the return of Indian citizens who wish to come back home. The MEA said it is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in Iran and is coordinating measures to enable the safe return of Indians. “In view of the prevailing unrest in large parts of Iran and the developing security situation, arrangements are being made to facilitate the return of Indian nationals who intend to come back to India,” the ministry said in a statement.
First evacuation flight likely today
Sources indicated that the government has arranged special flight services as part of the evacuation exercise, with the first aircraft expected to head towards Iran as early as Thursday. Students from Golestan University, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Tehran University of Medical Sciences are expected to form the first batch of evacuees.
Subject to security clearances and availability of flight routes, the first group of evacuees could be flown out of Iran by Friday. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) confirmed that students have been formally registered with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and that their personal and passport details have already been collected. “Students included in the first batch have been instructed to be ready by 8 am,” the association said.
Embassy faces challenge in reaching Indians
One of the biggest challenges facing Indian authorities is contacting Indian nationals scattered across various parts of Iran. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has intensified its efforts to identify and reach those wishing to return. However, officials said the task has been complicated by widespread internet shutdowns and unreliable communication networks in many regions.
Due to these disruptions, embassy officials are reportedly relying on physical outreach to locate students and other Indian citizens. Teams are moving on the ground to verify identities, assess safety conditions and coordinate logistics for evacuation, sources said.
Airspace disruptions add complexity
The evacuation plans have been further complicated by disruptions to air travel. On Thursday, Iran briefly shut its airspace, causing widespread flight disruptions. Air India cancelled at least three flights bound for the United States, while warning of possible delays on some European routes.
The four-hour closure of Iranian airspace, reportedly triggered by rising tensions between Iran and the United States amid internal instability, disrupted key flight corridors connecting India with the US and Europe. Aviation authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure safe and viable routes for evacuation flights.
Political reactions in India
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Thursday that he had spoken to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding the safety of Indian students in Iran. “I was assured that all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard the interests of our students,” Abdullah said, noting that a significant number of affected students hail from Jammu and Kashmir.
Iran claims situation under control
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have attempted to project a sense of calm. Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, stated that the situation in the country is “under control” and claimed that several cities are gradually returning to normalcy. He also asserted that millions of Iranians have taken to the streets in support of the Islamic Republic, demonstrating resistance to what he described as foreign interference, despite ongoing economic pressures.
The current wave of unrest began in late last month following a sharp fall in the value of the Iranian rial and later escalated into widespread political protests. Human rights groups allege that at least 3,428 people have been killed in a nationwide crackdown, though official figures have not confirmed these numbers.
According to official estimates, more than 10,000 Indian nationals, including students, are currently residing in Iran. As the situation remains volatile, the coming days will be crucial in determining the pace and scale of India’s evacuation efforts.
