India on Wednesday issued strong advisories urging its citizens in Iran to leave the country amid escalating unrest and growing fears of regional conflict. The advisory comes after weeks of nationwide protests in Iran, which have reportedly resulted in around 2,000 fatalities, and heightened international tensions following threats of possible military action by the United States.

Advisories for Indian Nationals

The Indian embassy in Tehran advised all Indian nationals—including students, businesspeople, tourists, and pilgrims—to leave Iran immediately using available means of transport, including commercial flights. The advisory cited the “evolving situation” in the country, warning of risks posed by both civil unrest and potential foreign intervention.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi reiterated its advisory for Indians to avoid all travel to Iran until further notice. The MEA had first issued a caution on January 5, 2026, urging Indian citizens in Iran to avoid protests and demonstrations and to exercise vigilance in navigating the unrest.

Approximately 10,000 Indians reside in Iran, a population that includes a significant number of students and annual pilgrims. The embassy instructed citizens to:

• Monitor local media and updates closely.
• Avoid areas of protests and civil unrest.
• Keep travel documents, including passports, ready.
• Register with the Indian mission if residing in Iran on a long-term visa.

Although no official evacuation plan has been announced, Indian authorities are reportedly preparing for all contingencies in response to the rapidly changing situation.

Diplomatic Engagement

In parallel with the advisories, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke on the phone with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss the unfolding situation. The discussion reportedly included Iran’s decision to call off a planned visit to New Delhi, though detailed information was not disclosed.

This diplomatic engagement comes amid a communication blackout in Iran, which has left many Iranian government websites inaccessible and limited the availability of official updates.

Context of Protests and Tensions

The unrest in Iran traces back to December 28, 2025, when demonstrations erupted at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, initially triggered by the Iranian rial’s sharp depreciation. Economic crises—including water shortages, electricity outages, high unemployment, and inflation—further fueled nationwide protests.

The situation has worsened due to international factors. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if Iranian authorities harm protesters and has signaled support for demonstrators, stating that “help is on the way” and warning of strong consequences if detained protesters face execution.

In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated on Wednesday that it remains at the “peak of defensive readiness” to confront any aggression. Despite the unrest, reports from Tehran indicate that pro-government rallies have taken place over the past two days, suggesting that the government is attempting to assert control over the situation.

Trade and Strategic Considerations

India has faced renewed scrutiny over its longstanding relationship with Iran, particularly in light of Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on countries trading with Tehran. Indian officials, however, have downplayed the potential impact, noting that India-Iran trade stands at $1.68 billion, which constitutes only 0.15% of India’s total trade.

The Indian government’s advisories and diplomatic engagement reflect a dual concern: safeguarding Indian citizens in Iran while navigating delicate regional geopolitics.

Safety Recommendations for Indian Citizens

The Indian embassy has instructed citizens to exercise extreme caution:

• Avoid all public gatherings, demonstrations, and protests.
• Stay informed of developments through local and international news channels.
• Maintain communication with family and the Indian mission.
• Ensure travel arrangements are flexible, given the unpredictable situation.

While an immediate evacuation has not been confirmed, authorities are reportedly assessing all options for the safe return of Indian nationals, especially students and pilgrims, who form a substantial portion of the community in Iran.

Outlook

The situation in Iran remains fluid and highly volatile, with protests, economic hardship, and geopolitical pressures intersecting. For India, the priority is ensuring the safety of its citizens while maintaining diplomatic engagement with Tehran to manage bilateral relations amid a tense regional environment.

As the unrest continues, Indians in Iran are being urged to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas, and follow official instructions issued by the Indian mission in Tehran and the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.