New Delhi is urging its citizens to leave Iran promptly as widespread protests continue across the country, fueled by economic concerns and political grievances. The Ministry of External affairs issued the advisory following a discussion between Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, on January 14, as the unrest enters its twentieth day with a reported death toll nearing 2,500 [[1]]. Indian nationals in Iran, including students and pilgrims, are being encouraged to utilize commercial flights for departure amid the escalating tensions and potential risks to foreign nationals [[2]].
India has advised its citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately amid escalating unrest, as Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian spoke with his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on January 14. The conversation focused on the evolving situation in and around Iran, according to a post by Jaishankar on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister H. Amir-Abdollahian. We discussed the evolving situation in and around Iran,” Jaishankar wrote. The advisory comes as protests against the government of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continue across the country, with reports indicating a death toll of approximately 2,500 people. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has urged all Indian nationals – including students, pilgrims, businesspeople, and tourists – to depart using available commercial flights.
“Indian nationals in Iran are requested to carry their passport, identity cards, and other travel/immigration documents with them. They are also requested to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance in this regard,” the embassy stated in its guidance. The situation highlights the increasing instability in the region and potential risks for foreign nationals.
The embassy further reiterated its advice that all Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) remain vigilant, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, maintain contact with the Indian Embassy, and monitor local media for developments.
Meanwhile, the Jammu Kashmir Students Association has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister Jaishankar to facilitate the evacuation of Kashmiri students stranded in Iran.
The political crisis in Iran has deepened as protests sparked by a doubling of inflation and the continued devaluation of the Iranian currency entered their 20th day. Violent clashes in 280 locations have contributed to the rising death toll, now estimated at 2,500.
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump called on protestors to “take back” their country and not “go back to the way it was,” adding that help was “on the way” without providing further details.
The Trump administration on Wednesday advised some officials to evacuate Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar as a precautionary measure. This followed a warning from Iran that it would retaliate against American facilities if Washington were to attack Iranian territory, and a stern warning to neighboring countries hosting U.S. military bases.
