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The government is preparing to evacuate Indian nationals stranded in Iran amid mounting safety concerns as protests and civil unrest continue to escalate across the country.
The first group of evacuees could be flown out as early as Friday, January 16, subject to clearances and ground conditions, reported CNN-News18 citing sources.
Parents of Indian students currently in Iran told CNN-News18 that their children have been informed to remain ready by 8 am on January 16.
They said students have been asked to keep passports and other essential documents prepared as evacuation arrangements progress.
A passenger manifest is being compiled, while necessary approvals are being sought from authorities in both India and Iran. Government officials said that contingency plans are being continuously reviewed to respond in line with developments on the ground and to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens, as per the News18 report.
MEA, embassy step up coordination
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that preparations are underway to assist Indian nationals who wish to return home.
"In view of the evolving situation in Iran, MEA is making preparations to facilitate return of Indian nationals who wish to travel back to India," an MEA source was quoted as saying by CNN-News18.
Read more: Trump says Iran has halted killings, vows to 'watch and see' on military action
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has begun collecting details of Indian students and other nationals spread across various regions of Iran. However, the process has been slowed due to an internet blackout in several areas, making communication with those stranded more challenging.
Officials said the situation is being monitored closely, with regular assessments to determine the safest and most efficient evacuation options, as per News18.
Protests spread nationwide
Concerns over the safety of Indian nationals have intensified as unrest in Iran has worsened. Protests first erupted late last month after Iran’s currency, the rial, plunged to record lows.
What began as demonstrations over economic hardship has since spread to all 31 provinces, evolving into broader demands for political change.
Rights groups have claimed that at least 3,428 people have been killed in a nationwide crackdown on protests, with conditions deteriorating sharply in recent days.
More than 10,000 Indians, including a significant number of students, are currently estimated to reside in Iran, as per News18.
Read more:Oil stabilises post major drop of 6% in 2 days after US 'postpones' attack on Iran
Earlier this week in an advisory, India advised all its nationals in Iran to leave by available means and avoid non-essential travel to Iran. The Indian Embassy in Tehran urged students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists to exit Iran using commercial flights or other available transport.
The first group of evacuees could be flown out as early as Friday, January 16, subject to clearances and ground conditions, reported CNN-News18 citing sources.
Parents of Indian students currently in Iran told CNN-News18 that their children have been informed to remain ready by 8 am on January 16.
They said students have been asked to keep passports and other essential documents prepared as evacuation arrangements progress.
A passenger manifest is being compiled, while necessary approvals are being sought from authorities in both India and Iran. Government officials said that contingency plans are being continuously reviewed to respond in line with developments on the ground and to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens, as per the News18 report.
MEA, embassy step up coordination
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that preparations are underway to assist Indian nationals who wish to return home.
"In view of the evolving situation in Iran, MEA is making preparations to facilitate return of Indian nationals who wish to travel back to India," an MEA source was quoted as saying by CNN-News18.
Read more: Trump says Iran has halted killings, vows to 'watch and see' on military action
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has begun collecting details of Indian students and other nationals spread across various regions of Iran. However, the process has been slowed due to an internet blackout in several areas, making communication with those stranded more challenging.
Officials said the situation is being monitored closely, with regular assessments to determine the safest and most efficient evacuation options, as per News18.
Protests spread nationwide
Concerns over the safety of Indian nationals have intensified as unrest in Iran has worsened. Protests first erupted late last month after Iran’s currency, the rial, plunged to record lows.
What began as demonstrations over economic hardship has since spread to all 31 provinces, evolving into broader demands for political change.
Rights groups have claimed that at least 3,428 people have been killed in a nationwide crackdown on protests, with conditions deteriorating sharply in recent days.
More than 10,000 Indians, including a significant number of students, are currently estimated to reside in Iran, as per News18.
Read more:Oil stabilises post major drop of 6% in 2 days after US 'postpones' attack on Iran
Earlier this week in an advisory, India advised all its nationals in Iran to leave by available means and avoid non-essential travel to Iran. The Indian Embassy in Tehran urged students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists to exit Iran using commercial flights or other available transport.
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