New Delhi:
The Indian government is actively preparing for the possible evacuation of its citizens from Iran amid growing instability in the country, driven by widespread protests and fears of potential US military intervention. The situation is complicated by a nationwide internet shutdown imposed by Iranian authorities, making it difficult for Indian officials to communicate with their nationals, particularly students, who constitute a large proportion of the expatriate population in the country.

According to sources familiar with the matter, there are approximately 10,000 Indians in Iran, including a significant number of students pursuing higher education. The government is prioritising the safe return of students in any evacuation effort, though officials have not yet confirmed when the first repatriation flights might operate.

“The external affairs ministry is making preparations to facilitate the return of Indian nationals who wish to travel back home,” said one official familiar with the plans. “This process depends on a number of factors, including securing airspace clearances, arranging aircraft, and ascertaining the number of students willing to return, which is challenging due to the internet shutdown.”

Communication Challenges Amid Internet Blackout

The Iranian government’s suspension of internet services has emerged as a major obstacle in coordinating evacuation efforts. Officials in Tehran are largely relying on physical outreach and contacts with educational institutions, businesses, and pilgrim groups to determine the exact number of Indians seeking to leave the country. Telephone connectivity is also reportedly limited in many areas, further complicating communication.

Colleges and universities hosting large numbers of Indian students have become critical points of contact for the Indian embassy, as officials attempt to gather information on those needing evacuation. This on-the-ground effort is being supplemented by coordination with local community networks to ensure no citizen is left unaccounted for during the evolving crisis.

Rising Tensions in Iran

The need for evacuation arises amid one of the most severe periods of unrest in recent Iranian history. Nationwide protests, sparked by economic hardships and inflation, have led to the deaths of hundreds of demonstrators. Reports suggest more than 2,000 people have been killed following crackdowns by Iranian security forces.

The situation has attracted international attention, with the United States issuing repeated warnings of military intervention if Iranian authorities continue violent actions against protesters. US President Donald Trump has threatened “very strong action” if detained protesters are executed, escalating regional tensions further.

Against this backdrop, the Indian government has issued advisories to its citizens in Iran. On Wednesday, the Indian embassy in Tehran advised students, pilgrims, businesspeople, and tourists to leave the country using available means of transport, including commercial flights. Simultaneously, the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi strongly advised all Indians to avoid travel to Iran until further notice.

Diplomatic Engagements

Diplomatic channels are active, with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi engaging in discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday night. The talks addressed the regional situation and included explanations for Araghchi’s decision to cancel a planned visit to New Delhi, highlighting the sensitivity of ongoing developments.

India has also faced increased pressure regarding its ties with Iran, especially following the Trump administration’s move to impose a 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran. This has added an economic dimension to the evacuation plans, as New Delhi seeks to balance the safety of its citizens with ongoing trade and diplomatic considerations.

Evacuation Preparations

The external affairs ministry has well-established protocols for such evacuations, which include the use of military aircraft if necessary. These procedures have been refined over the years, drawing from past experiences in conflict zones and crisis situations abroad.

Sources indicate that Indian authorities are conducting preliminary assessments of logistics, including aircraft availability and airspace permissions, to ensure a swift response if evacuation orders are required. The government is also exploring the possibility of using commercial flights where feasible to expedite the return of students and other vulnerable citizens.

A Focus on Students

Indian students are a primary concern, as many are concentrated in universities and technical institutions in cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz. The embassy is coordinating closely with these institutions to identify students who wish to return home and is maintaining contact with local authorities to facilitate safe passage where possible.

“The students will be the focus of any evacuation effort,” said one official. “We are trying to make contact physically where online communication is unavailable, and are relying on local contacts to ensure that we can reach as many citizens as possible.”

Looking Ahead

While a semblance of normalcy has reportedly returned to Tehran and other major cities, the underlying tensions remain high, and uncertainty persists over potential foreign intervention. India’s evacuation preparations are ongoing and contingent on multiple factors, including the continuation of protests, government responses, and the availability of international flight routes.

For now, the government continues to monitor the situation closely, maintain open communication channels where possible, and stand ready to act to ensure the safety of its citizens in Iran. Officials have reiterated that the wellbeing and protection of Indian nationals remain the highest priority, even as logistical and geopolitical challenges complicate the process.

With the internet blackout and the fluid security environment, the coming days will be critical in determining the scale and timing of evacuation efforts, particularly for students and other vulnerable groups in Iran. The Indian government’s efforts are focused on ensuring that every citizen has access to information, safe passage, and timely assista