MEA urges Indians in Iran to exit as security situation worsens

MEA said around 9,000 Indians are in Iran and assured it will take all necessary steps to ensure their safety

January 16, 2026

Indian Embassy in Tehran has urged Indians, including students and tourists, to depart Iran as protests and tensions escalate

Around 9,000 Indians, mostly students, currently in Iran

The Indian government on Friday advised its nationals in Iran to leave the country in view of the rapidly evolving and volatile security situation, saying it is closely monitoring developments and remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian citizens.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said around 9,000 Indians are currently residing in Iran, the majority of them students. Addressing a weekly press briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said multiple advisories had been issued in response to recent developments in the country.

“Approximately 9,000 of our citizens are currently residing in Iran. The majority of them are students. In light of the recent developments there, we have issued two or three advisories,” Jaiswal said.

He explained that Indian nationals in India have been strongly advised to avoid travel to Iran until further notice, while those already in the country have been asked to leave at the earliest using all available means. “We have advised Indian citizens residing in Iran to leave the country by whatever means are available,” Jaiswal said.

Emphasising the government’s position, the spokesperson added, “We are keeping a close watch on the situation there, and as far as our citizens are concerned, we are committed to doing whatever is necessary for their well-being.”

An advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Tehran urged Indian nationals — including students, businesspersons, pilgrims and tourists — to depart Iran through available transport options, including commercial flights, citing the “evolving situation” in the country. The embassy also advised Indian citizens to keep their travel and immigration documents, including passports, readily accessible.

A separate advisory issued by the MEA in New Delhi reiterated an earlier warning issued on January 5, calling on Indian nationals in Iran to remain cautious and avoid participation in protests or demonstrations. Indians residing in Iran on long-term visas were also advised to register themselves with the Indian Embassy.

The advisories come amid rising regional tensions triggered by Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests that reportedly began in late December. The demonstrations, which initially erupted at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar on December 28 over the sharp fall in the Iranian rial, later spread across the country. The protests have been driven by economic distress linked to soaring inflation, rising unemployment, severe water shortages, power outages and a prolonged economic slowdown.

Concerns have further escalated following warnings from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened military intervention if Iranian security forces continue to kill protesters. Trump has also warned of “very strong action” if detained protesters are executed, while publicly encouraging demonstrators by stating that “help is on the way.”

India’s advisory has also drawn attention in the context of New Delhi’s long-standing ties with Tehran. The issue gained renewed focus after Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on countries doing business with Iran. Indian officials have downplayed the impact of the announcement, noting that bilateral trade between India and Iran stands at approximately USD 1.68 billion, accounting for just 0.15 per cent of India’s total trade.

The MEA said it will continue to assess the situation on the ground and issue further advisories as required, while coordinating closely with Indian missions in the region to assist nationals seeking to return home safely.

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