The Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued an urgent advisory urging all Indian nationals, including students, to leave Iran as soon as possible, triggering panic among parents. The advisory, released on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, cites the evolving security situation in the country as the primary reason for the directive.
The advisory follows an earlier announcement on January 5, 2026, advising against non-essential travel to Iran. Now, with escalating tensions and widespread protests, the embassy is urging those currently in Iran to depart using available means of transport, including commercial flights.
The move comes as Iran grapples with increasing internal unrest and faces the possibility of external military intervention. Nationwide protests, sparked by economic hardship and rising prices, have reportedly resulted in violent clashes and a severe crackdown, with some sources claiming over 2,500 fatalities.
The Indian Embassy has provided helpline numbers and an email address for emergency support. They are also urging Indian citizens who have not yet registered with the embassy to do so immediately through the Ministry of External Affairs' online portal. Recognizing potential internet disruptions within Iran, the embassy has requested families in India to complete the registration on behalf of their relatives if necessary.
The advisory emphasizes the need for Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to exercise extreme caution, avoid protest areas, maintain regular contact with the embassy, and closely monitor local media for updates. Nationals are also advised to keep their travel and immigration documents readily accessible.
The news has sparked significant anxiety among families in India, particularly those with children studying in Iranian universities. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for immediate evacuation measures, especially for Kashmiri students. Parents have expressed concerns about the difficulties their children may face in leaving the country independently, citing limited funds, disrupted communication networks, and a lack of access to flights.
The Ministry of External Affairs has also reiterated its advisory, strongly advising Indian nationals to avoid all travel to Iran until further notice. The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet to discuss the situation in Iran. The Indian government has stated it is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens in Iran.
