New Delhi: The Centre is working out modalities to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran, it is learnt. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced Thursday that it is making preparations to facilitate the return of Indian nationals who wish to travel back to India, given the current situation in Iran.
This comes a day after the MEA advised Indian citizens to leave Iran by any “available means of transport” including commercial aircraft as the situation in the West Asian country continued to spiral amid protests against economic pressures.
However, Iranian airspace was closed as of Thursday, according to flight radar.
“In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on 5 January 2025, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights,” read the advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Tehran. It added, “It is reiterated that all Indian citizens and PIOs should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments.”
The embassy also asked all Indian nationals to have their travel documents ready and to remain in touch with officials from the mission.
Over a week ago, it warned Indian nationals still in Iran to exercise due caution.
Protests have been ongoing in Iran since the end of December over the economic situation in the country. The current administration led by the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sought to quell the protests that have spread across the country.
According to US-based rights groups, more than 2,400 protestors have been killed and more than 10,000 arrested in the resultant crackdown.
There was also a four-day internet blackout.
US President Donald Trump said countries that do business with Tehran will face a new 25 percent additional tariff.
Iran earlier said it’s ready to talk with the US but is “prepared for war”.
Iran’s foreign minister has communicated in recent days with Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff, CNN reported.
In an earlier statement, Trump had said that the US is “locked and loaded” to deal with Tehran if it continues to forcefully repress the protests in the country, after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 2 January. The US President Thursday said he has been told “the killing in Iran has stopped”, but did not rule out military action against the country over its violent crackdown on anti-government protesters.
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)
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