'Exercise Due Caution': India Sounds Alert on Iran Travel as Nationwide Protests Turn Deadly

India on Monday issued a travel advisory for Iran, urging its nationals to avoid non-essential travel as unrest continued to spread across the country following days of protests triggered by economic distress.In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) advised Indian nationals to exercise caution amid the deteriorating security situation. “In view of recent developments, Indian nationals are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice,” the ministry said.The MEA also cautioned Indians and Persons of Indian Origin currently in Iran to “exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, and closely monitor news as well as the website and social media handles of the Embassy

of India in Tehran.”

The advisory comes as protests that began on December 28 in Tehran among shopkeepers angered by rising prices and economic stagnation have spread rapidly across the country. What started as demonstrations over inflation and currency collapse has since evolved into broader political protests, with clashes reported between demonstrators and security forces.Rights groups say at least 16 people have been killed during a week of unrest, according to Reuters. HRANA, a network of rights activists, reported at least 16 deaths and 582 arrests, while Kurdish rights group Hengaw put the toll at 17.

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Iranian authorities have acknowledged the economic hardship but remain divided in their response. President Masoud Pezeshkian urged the Interior Ministry to take a “kind and responsible” approach toward protesters, saying “society cannot be convinced or calmed by forceful approaches,” according to state media.However, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei struck a tougher tone, saying Iran “will not yield to the enemy” and warning that “rioters should be put in their place,” even as authorities signaled willingness to talk.Police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said security forces had arrested a “big number of leaders on the virtual space,” while police reported detaining at least 40 people in Tehran over what they described as “fake posts” aimed at disturbing public opinion.The unrest has drawn international attention. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could intervene if protesters face violence, saying on Friday, “we are locked and loaded and ready to go.” His remarks prompted warnings of retaliation from senior Iranian officials.The protests come as Iran grapples with inflation above 36%, a currency that has lost around half its value against the dollar, renewed international sanctions linked to its nuclear program, and growing concerns of a recession in 2026.