Indians Told To ‘Expeditiously Exit Iran’ As Crisis Deepens; Flights, Evacuation Routes Activated

New Delhi has issued a fresh advisory asking Indian nationals in Iran to leave the country without delay as the security situation deteriorates. Citizens have been told to use all available options, including commercial flights, to exit at the earliest.In a post on X, the embassy reiterated that citizens should leave using the routes identified by authorities. It cautioned against approaching any international land border without prior coordination, warning that consular support may not be available otherwise.The Indian Embassy in Tehran also shared emergency helpline numbers for those seeking assistance: +989128109115, +989128109109, +989128109102 and +989932179359. It provided an email contact, cons.tehran@mea.gov.in, and asked all Indians in Iran to remain in touch and register with the mission if they have not already done so.Officials say the advisory comes in response to a rapidly evolving security situation marked by unrest and fears of wider conflict in the region.The Indian Embassy in Tehran has also asked citizens to remain alert, avoid protest zones and stay in constant touch with mission officials. People have been told to keep passports and identity documents ready at all times.Official figures show that around 9,000 Indians, many of them students, were in Iran when the conflict began after joint strikes by the United States and Israel on February 28. So far, about 1,800 have returned to India.The government has also made it clear that those who have not yet registered with the embassy should do so immediately to receive updates and assistance.Flights Continue, Alternative Exit Routes Through Neighbouring CountriesCommercial flights remain the primary exit option for Indians trying to leave Iran. Authorities have urged citizens to book seats at the earliest and avoid waiting for special evacuation flights.During earlier phases of the crisis, additional capacity was arranged by airlines, including special and chartered flights that helped evacuate stranded Indians.At the same time, the government has opened alternative evacuation corridors. Indian nationals have been assisted to exit Iran via neighbouring countries such as Armenia and Azerbaijan, from where they could board flights back home.Why The Advisory Was IssuedEarlier this week, the embassy had asked Indian citizens to stay put for 48 hours as tensions reached a peak. That position has now changed, with authorities clearly asking people to leave as the situation on the ground remains unpredictable.The advisory comes against the backdrop of a rapidly escalating situation in West Asia. The current conflict began on February 28, when the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iranian targets, triggering retaliation from Iran and raising concerns about a wider regional war.Tensions escalated further after Donald Trump warned that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if Iran failed to meet his deadline to lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.Hours later, the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, following diplomatic efforts that included conversations with Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. Talks are expected to be held in Islamabad.The Indian government continues to monitor the situation and may step up evacuation efforts if required. For now, the message to Indians in Iran remains direct. Leave early, rely on available flights, and stay in close touch with authorities on the ground.(With inputs from various sources)FAQs1. Why has India asked its citizens to leave Iran?India issued the advisory due to a rapidly worsening security situation and fears of escalating conflict in the region.2. How can Indians exit Iran right now?Citizens are advised to use commercial flights as the primary option, along with coordinated evacuation routes via neighbouring countries like Armenia and Azerbaijan.3. Are evacuation flights being arranged from Iran?Authorities are currently prioritising commercial flights, though special and chartered flights have been used during earlier phases of the crisis.4. How many Indians are currently in Iran?Around 9,000 Indians were in Iran at the start of the conflict, with approximately 1,800 already evacuated.5. What should Indians in Iran do immediately?They should register with the Indian Embassy in Tehran, keep documents ready, avoid public unrest areas, and stay in contact with officials for updates.India Issues Advisory Urging Citizens To Exercise ‘Utmost Caution’ After US-Israel Strikes In Tehran