‘Very Good Effort’: Indians Return From Iran Amid Unrest, Thank Govt For Support

Several Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims, arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi late Friday after returning from Iran amid a deteriorating security situation in the country.

The first flight carrying Indians from Iran, Mahan Air flight W5-071 from Tehran, landed safely at the Delhi airport, officials said. Families of those returning gathered at the terminal to receive their relatives, including pilgrims who had been stranded amid the unrest.

The arrivals come after the Indian government advised its nationals in Iran to consider leaving the country in view of the volatile situation. The Ministry of External Affairs has said it is closely monitoring developments and remains committed to ensuring the safety

and well-being of Indian citizens.

One Indian national who returned from Iran described the situation as worsening and expressed gratitude to Indian authorities. “The conditions are bad there. The Government of India is cooperating a lot, and the Embassy provided us with information on leaving Iran as early as possible. ‘Modi ji hai toh har cheez mumkin hai’,” he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Another returnee said communication had become difficult due to restrictions. “We were there for a month, but we faced problems mainly in the last one or two weeks. When we went outside, protesters would come in front of the car and cause some trouble. The internet was shut down, which is why we couldn’t tell our families anything and were worried. We couldn’t even contact the embassy,” the passenger told ANI.

A third Indian national from Jammu and Kashmir said the situation had turned dangerous. “The Indian government has made a very good effort and brought the students back,” he was quoted as saying by ANI.

Government sources told CNN-News18 that preparations are underway to respond depending on the situation on the ground, including facilitating the return of Indian nationals who wish to travel back. Officials said plans are being reviewed regularly as developments unfold.

MEA sources confirmed that details of Indian students stranded across different parts of Iran are being collected, though communication has been slowed due to internet blackouts in several regions.

Protests in Iran erupted late last month after the national currency plunged to record lows. What began as demonstrations over economic hardship spread across all 31 provinces, turning into demands for political change. Rights groups say thousands have been killed in a crackdown carried out under a prolonged internet shutdown, making independent verification difficult.

While monitors say the protest movement has subsided following the crackdown, concerns remain over the safety of foreign nationals amid continued uncertainty.