Following the recent ceasefire announcement between Israel and Iran, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has declared a gradual winding down of the evacuation efforts initiated to safeguard Indian nationals amidst the preceding military conflict.
The embassy has officially closed the contact desk that was established to register new requests for evacuation assistance. However, the Indian government has assured its citizens that it remains vigilant and is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the region. They have stated their willingness to reassess their strategy and take necessary actions should any renewed threats to the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran emerge.
As part of "Operation Sindhu," India successfully evacuated over 3,170 citizens from Iran and Israel, with over 1,100 being evacuated from Iran itself after tensions escalated.
The embassy has specifically advised Indian citizens currently located in other parts of Iran who were planning to travel to Mashhad for evacuation to remain where they are. They are urged to stay informed by monitoring news updates and any advisories issued by the embassy.
For those Indian citizens who had already traveled to Mashhad and are currently accommodated in hotels arranged by the embassy, a request has been made to shift to the Sadr Hotel. The embassy has indicated that it will be releasing rooms in other hotels but will retain rooms in the Sadr Hotel for two more nights, until the checkout time on June 26th. This extension is intended to provide citizens with ample time to reassure themselves that the security situation in Iran is indeed returning to normalcy.
Indian citizens requiring any advice or assistance are encouraged to contact the Embassy through the Telegram channel or utilize the previously provided helplines. The embassy has been proactive in using social media platform X to disseminate important updates and instructions to the Indian community in Iran.
The Ministry of External Affairs has welcomed the ceasefire and acknowledged the roles played by the United States and Qatar in facilitating the agreement. They also reiterated India's commitment to regional security and stability, stating India "stands ready to play its part" in diplomatic efforts.
The swift and decisive action taken by the Indian government in launching "Operation Sindhu" and evacuating its citizens underscores its commitment to the safety and well-being of its diaspora in conflict zones. The winding down of the evacuation operation following the ceasefire reflects a cautious optimism, with the government remaining prepared to respond to any future escalation in tensions.