India Warns Citizens in Iran to Depart Immediately

India on Wednesday issued a fresh and urgent advisory asking Indian nationals currently residing in Iran to leave the country at the earliest, citing a rapidly evolving security situation marked by widespread protests and rising regional instability. The advisory, released by the Indian Embassy in Tehran, applies to students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists.

“In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on 5 January 2025, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights,” the embassy said in its official communication.

India: Rising Unrest Triggers Stronger Warning

The renewed India advisory for Indians in Iran comes amid the most intense wave of protests the Islamic Republic has witnessed in over a decade. Demonstrations, which began nearly three weeks ago, were initially sparked by worsening economic conditions, a sharp rise in the cost of living, and the collapse of the national currency. The Iranian rial recently fell to a historic low of nearly 1.4 million to the US dollar, underscoring the depth of the country’s economic distress.

Iran’s oil-rich economy has struggled for years under international sanctions, leaving it particularly vulnerable to financial shocks. What began as economic anger has now grown into a broader challenge to the country’s political leadership, with protests spreading across multiple regions. Reports indicate that more than 2,500 people have died since the unrest began, intensifying global concern over the situation.

Embassy Advises Vigilance and Avoidance of Protest Areas

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has reiterated that all Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in Iran must exercise extreme caution. The advisory urges Indians to avoid areas where protests or demonstrations are taking place, remain alert to local developments, and stay in constant contact with embassy officials.

“All Indian citizens and PIOs should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments,” the embassy stated.

Indian nationals have also been advised to keep essential travel and immigration documents, including passports and identity papers, readily accessible at all times, and to seek immediate assistance from the embassy if required.

India: Emergency Helplines Activated for Indian Nationals

To ensure swift support, the embassy has activated multiple emergency helplines and shared dedicated contact numbers along with an official email ID for consular assistance. Indians who have not yet registered with the embassy have been strongly encouraged to do so through the Ministry of External Affairs’ online registration portal.

Recognising the possibility of internet disruptions amid the unrest, Indian authorities have also requested families in India to complete the registration process on behalf of their relatives if direct access from Iran becomes difficult.

Geopolitical Tensions Add to Security Concerns

The advisory also comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions, including fears of potential US military action against Iran. The situation escalated further after US President Donald Trump publicly urged Iranian protesters to continue demonstrations and “take over the country’s institutions,” claiming that assistance was forthcoming.

A senior Iranian official confirmed on Wednesday that all communication channels between Tehran and Washington have been halted, citing repeated threats from the US leadership. Meanwhile, some US personnel stationed in Qatar have reportedly been advised to leave the country. Qatar hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East, and a similar partial withdrawal last year preceded American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.