India has advised its citizens to leave Iran at the earliest and avoid all travel to the country, citing an “evolving situation” amid widespread protests, a severe security crackdown and the possibility of external military intervention.
An advisory issued on Wednesday by the Indian embassy in Tehran urged Indian nationals, including students, businesspersons, pilgrims and tourists, to depart by available means, including commercial flights. A separate advisory from the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its earlier guidance against travel to Iran and called on those present to exercise heightened caution.
“There are approximately 10,000 Indians in Iran, including many students,” officials said, adding that the country also receives thousands of Shia pilgrims from India each year.
The embassy asked Indian nationals and people of Indian origin to avoid areas of protest, closely monitor local media, keep travel and identity documents ready and remain in contact with the mission. Indians holding resident visas were advised to register with the embassy.
The advisories follow intensifying unrest in Iran after nationwide protests triggered by the collapse of the rial and a deteriorating economic situation. Reports suggest that more than 2,000 people have been killed during the crackdown, which began at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar on December 28 and spread rapidly across the country.
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The situation has been further complicated by repeated warnings from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened military intervention if Iranian security forces kill protesters. Trump has publicly encouraged demonstrators, saying “help is on the way”, and warned of “very strong action” if detained protesters are executed.
India’s move also comes amid renewed geopolitical pressure after the United States announced a 25 per cent tariff on countries doing business with Tehran. New Delhi has assessed the impact as limited, noting that bilateral trade with Iran stands at about $1.68 billion, accounting for just 0.15 per cent of India’s total trade.
While no evacuation plan has been announced, officials said authorities were preparing for all contingencies given the fluid security situation.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Wednesday that it was at the “peak of defensive readiness” and prepared to “confront any aggression”. Reports from Tehran, however, suggested the situation appeared relatively contained, with pro-government rallies held over the past two days.
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