India readies plans to evacuate nationals from Iran amid rising tensions

With the situation in Iran evolving, India has begun preparations to facilitate the return of its nationals, following embassy advisories, coordination with states, and signs of limited resumption

In view of the evolving situation in Iran, India is making preparations to facilitate the return of Indian nationals who wish to travel back to India, official sources said.

 

This comes a day after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart over phone.

 

The Indian Embassy in Tehran on Wednesday had advised Indians living in Iran to leave the West Asian country by any available means of transport, including commercial flights.

 

According to unofficial estimates, there are nearly 10,000 Indian nationals currently in Iran, including medical and seminary students, fishermen, pilgrims, and business professionals. Of these, fishermen are estimated to be around 2,000.

 

The Indian Embassy in Iran had earlier advised Indian nationals currently in that country to register with the embassy, but sparse internet connectivity meant that the process has suffered. Family members of Indians in Iran have been advised that they can complete the registration on behalf of their relatives on the MEA’s portal.

 

A significant number of Indians in Iran, especially medical students, are from Jammu and Kashmir. The J&K government on Thursday appointed a nodal officer to coordinate with the Centre and diplomatic authorities for the safety and possible evacuation of its residents and students.

 

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said he spoke to Jaishankar regarding the evolving situation in Iran and was assured that all necessary steps were being taken to safeguard the interests of students from J&K caught in the turmoil.

 

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has claimed that the first batch of students is likely to return to India on Friday. The JKSA said Iran has reopened its airspace to civilian traffic after a temporary closure.

 

“All students have been duly registered, the Indian embassy has collected their personal details and passports, and the first batch has been informed to remain ready by 8 am,” the JKSA said in a statement. It said students from Golestan University, along with a few students from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Tehran University of Medical Sciences, are likely to be part of the first evacuation batch.

 

Indian officials on Thursday said India’s exports to Iran are largely humanitarian and it will wait for the US executive order on the 25 per cent tariff announced by President Donald Trump on countries doing business with Tehran to assess its implications.

 

“We have limited trade with Iran. Largely, our exports of goods and services are of a humanitarian nature. We are looking at that (announcement)...We are awaiting the details... we are awaiting the (executive) order,” Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal told reporters here when asked about the implication on India of the tariff announcement.