The Indian government is facilitating the safe return of its nationals stranded in Iran as the war enters its 13th day on Thursday.
According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal,
about 9,000 Indian nationals remain in Iran. This group includes students, seafarers, businesspeople, and pilgrims. Advisories issued earlier helped several Indians leave Iran and return home safely.
Evacuation Support
Jaiswal said that many nationals have been shifted from Tehran to safer locations. The government is also assisting those travelling via Azerbaijan and Armenia, helping with visas, land border crossings, and commercial flights. “We helped these stranded Indians,” he added.
Government Actions and Dialogue
The MEA noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to several Gulf leaders, emphasising the need for dialogue and diplomacy. He underlined the importance of civilian safety and assured that the welfare of the Indian diaspora remains a top priority. Officials also acknowledged that the conflict has impacted the lives of Indian citizens in the region.
India is a major exporter of refined petroleum products, particularly to neighbouring countries. Amid the West Asia crisis, the MEA said it has received requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives for diesel supplies. India has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh since 2017, including through pipelines under agreements with Numaligarh Refinery and the Bangladesh Ministry.
The government will factor in domestic energy requirements before taking decisions. The MEA also highlighted the importance of the Gulf for India’s energy security.
