Iran Unrest: India Prepares Evacuation Plan for Indian Nationals as Airlines Cancel Overseas Flights

India is drawing up contingency plans to evacuate its nationals from Iran amid a rapidly deteriorating security situation, with the US not ruling out military action against Tehran over its crackdown on nationwide

protests.Official sources on Thursday said the Ministry of External Affairs is preparing to facilitate the return of Indian nationals who wish to come back to India. The government is also exploring the use of both civil and military transport aircraft for a possible evacuation, reports PTI. India on Wednesday advised all its citizens in Iran to leave the country by available means and avoid any travel there. According to estimates, a little over 10,000 Indians, including students, are currently living in Iran.

The Indian embassy in Tehran urged Indian nationals, including students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists, to depart at the earliest. It also asked Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin to exercise due caution, avoid protest sites and remain in close contact with the mission.

Tensions have escalated as Donald Trump has not ruled out American military intervention in Iran. “If they hang them, you're going to see some things...We will take very strong action if they do such a thing,” the US president told CBS News on Wednesday.In a separate message to protesters, Trump said on Tuesday that “help is on the way”.The US has already announced a 25 per cent tariff on countries trading with Tehran. Protests began late last month in Tehran after the Iranian rial plunged to record lows and have since spread to all 31 provinces, evolving from economic grievances into demands for political change. More than 2,500 people have been killed so far, according to reports.

Meanwhile, Indian airlines have cancelled and rerouted several overseas flights following Iran’s airspace closure. Air India cancelled at least three flights to the US, while some Europe-bound services are facing delays. IndiGo said flights to CIS countries, Europe and Turkey have been impacted, with some cancellations.Airlines warned that longer alternate routes would increase operational costs due to higher fuel consumption.