India plans nationals’ evacuation from Iran

On: January 16, 2026 2:45 PM

The Government of India has set contingency plans in motion regarding evacuation initiatives for its citizens in Iran. This follows deteriorating conditions for security in Iran and a general sense of unrest and conflict amidst fear of a military build-up in the region. The Indian government has moved to secure repatriation for Indian students, pilgrims, and businessmen and other Indian nationals in Iran.

Rising Unrest & Security Concerns

Iran has recently been experiencing huge protest marches and political instabilities. The Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) has been following these events, which include repression of protest marchers, as well as other tensions in the region, such as rising Iran-US and Iran-Israeli hostilities. Therefore, advisories about travel or, where possible, returning to India, have been increasingly stern.

The MEA has upgraded its travel advisory for travel to India to Iran to a “do not travel” alert due to the uncertain security environment that exists in that country, coupled with the recent protests.

Government’s Evacuation Preparations

Advisory issuance has now moved beyond advisories for India to evacuate. In coordination with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and state governments, the MEA is making necessary preparations to bring back Indian nationals who may want to return home. But officials have given indications that the first flights to bring back Indian nationals may begin soon, with sources citing potential special flights arranged directly from Tehran to Delhi.

It has been reaching out to all Indian citizens in Iran, asking them to register with the mission and keep in touch for updates and assistance options. It has advised Indians in various major cities to stay in safe locations and avoid protest zones.

Besides the government-arranged flights, this advisory has, once again, reiterated that the Indian nationals should avail themselves of all available commercial transportation to depart from Iran, if they so wish, ahead of dedicated evacuation efforts.

Iran warns, US and Israel will be target if Trump administration strikes over protests

Scale of Evacuation: Thousands Could Be Involved

Though the number is not very definite yet, as many as 10,000 Indian nationals staying in Iran, according to government sources, might seek assistance in returning home. This population includes students studying in Iranian Universities, migrant workers, professionals, tourists, and individuals on pilgrimage.

The evacuation plans of India reflect the lessons learned in recent big operations such as Operation Sindhu, during the Iran–Israel conflict in 2025, wherein a thousand lots of Indians had been brought back from Iran and other conflict zones with charter flights and other diplomatic coordination.

Though the particulars are different, the broad outlines and logistical hurdles-native flight arrangements, safe corridors of transit, coordination with a number of authorities-are similar to that operation.

Consular channels and coordination

Senior Indian officials have been directly engaging with their Iranian counterparts to discuss ways to facilitate the safe exit of Indian nationals. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has held consultations with Iran’s Foreign Minister, underlining the necessity for mutual cooperation and continued diplomatic dialogue to make sure the arrangements for evacuation proceed without glitches.

Similar consultations are also being made with other international partners and host governments in order to explore additional routes of transit, if for some reason direct operations from Tehran cannot become viable due to security constraints. These may involve neighboring countries’ borders or internationally established humanitarian flight corridors.

Meanwhile, the MEA’s control room in New Delhi operating on a 24×7 basis remains a contact point for enquiries, requests for assistance, and updates from the Indian diaspora abroad.

Iran protest sees massive escalation, nationwide internet cut as exiled prince’s war cry

“Be Prepared” – Challenges

Even with preparations in place, there are several challenges that the evacuation process faces:

1. Unstable Security premises

Demonstrations and counter-demonstrations have created a situation in some parts of Iran and made it difficult and unpredictable to move around in the country safely for many Indian citizens.

2. Air Space and Flight Constraints

Although it has not been stated that Iranian airspace has been fully closed, some sources have mentioned that there have been temporarily closed spaces and routing difficulties for commercial aircraft.

3. Communication Barriers

Blackouts on the internet and telecommunication restrictions in certain areas of Iran have affected communication efforts by the Indian Embassy to reach Indian nationals directly. “To reach all Indian nationals directly, various methods are being employed by way of social media advisories and liaison with various groups,” said an official.

Advisory to Indian Nationals

Indian nationals living in Iran are advised to:

Register immediately at the Indian Embassy in Tehran if not already registered.
Always keep your travel documents with you in case you have to leave urgently.
Steer clear of areas where there are demonstrators or may be conflict.
Monitor the official MEA channels and local news for the latest updates.

The Indian government, specifically New Delhi, has underlined the fact that the safety and security of Indian nationals living abroad is a matter of utmost concern to it, and all possible assistance, right from evacuation to guiding them, will be given as the developments take their own course.

Looking Ahead

As the tension in the Middle East appears less likely to ease anytime soon, the evacuation of Indians in Iran not only reflects the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics today, but also the Indian government’s cautious approach to taking care of its citizens in distant lands. The strategy of evacuating Indians from Iran does not stop the process of international engagement on the crisis either.