India prepares to evacuate stranded citizens from Iran, repatriation may begin tomorrow
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) – The situation in Iran has become extremely worrying due to the violence and widespread protests that have been ongoing for the past 15 days. The security situation continues to deteriorate, prompting the Indian government to prepare to evacuate its citizens stranded in Iran. According to official sources, a special operation to bring back Indian citizens may begin as early as Friday.
Sources say the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is closely monitoring the current volatile situation in Iran and is working on a plan to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens who wish to return to India.
A fortnight of violence and unrest
has continued in Iran. Reports indicate that the security situation has reached a dire level. This has directly impacted foreign nationals living there, raising concerns about the safety of Indian students, businessmen, and pilgrims. Given these circumstances, the central government has begun finalizing an evacuation plan on a priority basis.
Ministry of External Affairs Preparations
According to official sources, the Ministry of External Affairs is working to collect data on Indian citizens present in Iran, gather information on their location and status, and make logistical arrangements. All options are being considered to safely evacuate Indian citizens who have expressed a desire to return to India due to the current situation.
How did the crisis begin?
The current crisis in Iran began after a sharp decline in the Iranian currency, the rial. Discontent stemming from economic pressure gradually blossomed into a major political movement that has now spread to all 31 provinces of the country. According to human rights organizations, security forces have killed more than 3,400 people so far, while the situation continues to worsen.
Communications disrupted, embassy officials on the ground
Internet services are currently suspended in Iran, and the telephone network is also working intermittently. Due to this communication disruption, officials from the Indian Embassy in Tehran are personally visiting various areas to contact Indian students and other citizens to ensure their safety.
The Indian Embassy issued a strict advisory
on Wednesday, advising Indian citizens in Iran to leave the country as soon as possible. The advisory, posted on social media, said students, pilgrims, businesspeople, and tourists should leave Iran by any available means, including commercial flights.
Key Embassy advice:
Stay away from areas of unrest and protests
Stay in constant contact with the Embassy
Monitor local media and official information
Carry your passport, identity card and travel documents with you at all times
Emergency Helpline Issued
The Indian Embassy has also issued emergency helpline numbers:
+989128109115, +989128109109, +989128109102, +989932179359
Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in
Appeal to register:
The Embassy has appealed to those Indian citizens who have not yet registered,
to register themselves by visiting https://www.meaers.com/request/home. If Indians present in Iran are not able to do so due to internet disruption, then their relatives present in India can complete this process. It is noteworthy that Wednesday was the 20th day of protests in Iran. These protests, which started against record inflation and currency devaluation, have now spread to more than 280 places, due to which the situation has become more volatile.