Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, India has initiated the evacuation of its citizens from Iran. In a coordinated effort, a batch of nearly 100 Indian nationals, primarily students, have been safely moved to the Armenian border. This move comes as the Indian government assesses the security situation in the region and works to ensure the well-being of its citizens abroad.
The evacuation process was set in motion following increased aerial strikes and escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. Recognizing the potential risks to Indian citizens residing in Iran, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi, has taken proactive measures to relocate them to safer locations. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been in contact with his counterparts in Armenia and the UAE to facilitate the evacuation process and ensure safe passage for Indian nationals.
Given the closure of Iranian airspace, land routes are being utilized to evacuate Indian citizens. Iran has offered its land borders for the safe passage of Indian nationals to neighboring countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan. Armenia, sharing a land border with Iran and maintaining strong bilateral ties with Tehran, has emerged as a crucial transit route for the evacuation efforts.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has been actively working with local Iranian authorities to coordinate the relocation of Indian citizens. Besides the group that has reached the Armenian border, approximately 600 Indian students have been moved to Qom and Yazd, considered safer cities within Iran. The embassy is also assisting students from Shiraz and Isfahan to relocate to Yazd. Moreover, the embassy has issued an advisory urging all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin to stay in touch, avoid unnecessary movement, and closely monitor the embassy's social media channels for updates.
Currently, nearly 10,000 Indian citizens reside in Iran, a significant portion of whom are students pursuing various academic programs. The Indian government is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all its citizens abroad, and the evacuation efforts are a testament to this commitment.
India and Iran have a long-standing history of bilateral relations, marked by cultural exchanges, trade, and diplomatic cooperation. Independent India and Iran established diplomatic relations on March 15, 1950, with ties dating back millennia. Despite regional conflicts and geopolitical challenges, India and Iran have maintained friendly relations in many areas, with significant trade ties, particularly in crude oil imports into India and diesel exports to Iran. India has also welcomed Iran's inclusion as an observer state in the SAARC regional organization.
As the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, the Indian government is closely monitoring developments and taking all necessary steps to safeguard its citizens. The successful evacuation of the first batch of Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia is a positive development, and efforts are underway to facilitate the safe return of all Indian citizens who wish to leave the country.
