India Asks Citizens to 'Leave Iran by Available Means of Transport' Amid Rising Tensions With US
New Delhi: The Embassy of India in Tehran, Iran, has issued an advisory asking all Indian nationals in Iran to leave by available means of transport. The advisory comes after the Union government’s advisory on similar lines amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States.
“In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on 5 January 2026, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights,” the Indian Embassy in Tehran said on Monday, February 23.
The embassy also asked persons of Indian origin in Iran to exercise caution and “avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran”.
It further provided emergency contact numbers and requested all nationals to keep their travel and immigration documents ready and register with the embassy for assistance.
— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) February 23, 2026
In January, Union external affairs minister S. Jaishankar had said he had spoken with Araghchi and that they had discussed “the evolving regional situation”.
Fresh clashes have erupted in Tehran following last month’s mass demonstrations as pro‑ and anti‑government protesters in Iran marked a tribute to those killed.
The situation in Iran has been volatile due to a growing US military presence, as Washington pressurises Iran over its nuclear program with warnings of airstrikes. Iran's foreing minister has, however, warned it will respond if attacked, while still expressing hope for a diplomatic resolution. The Indian government’s advisory, in this light, was a precautionary measure.
According to government estimates, there are approximately 9,000 Indian nationals currently in Iran. This population includes about 2,000 medical students, 4,000 seminary students, and 2,000 fishermen located in coastal areas.
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