The India government has issued an urgent travel advisory for Indian nationals in Iran, urging them to leave the country by available means of transport — including commercial flights — as the security situation deteriorates amid nationwide unrest and fears of wider conflict.
What India’s Advisory Says
- Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) currently in Iran are advised to exit Iran at the earliest via available transport options.
- The advisory specifically mentions commercial flights as an exit option.
- Indians in Iran are urged to exercise extreme caution, stay away from large protests or demonstrations, and remain in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran.
Why the Advisory Has Been Issued
The move follows:
- Widespread protests that have erupted across multiple Iranian cities since late December 2025, triggered by economic hardship and political discontent.
- Reports of a mounting death toll from crackdowns on demonstrations, with activist groups estimating thousands of fatalities amid clashes with security forces.
- Concerns over heightened geopolitical tensions, including warnings by the Donald Trump administration that stronger action could follow if the crackdown intensifies — adding to uncertainty and fears of broader instability.
What Indian Nationals Should Do
Authorities have advised Indian citizens in Iran to:
Monitor local and international media updates
Contact the Indian Embassy in Tehran for assistance
Avoid areas of protests, demonstrations, and high security presence
Plan their travel out of Iran as soon as feasible using available transport options, including flights and land crossing routes if needed
Key Context
- Protests in Iran have grown significantly since December 2025, with clashes reported in major cities and the government imposing internet blackouts in some regions.
- In response to the unrest and international uncertainty, various governments, including the USA, had previously issued travel warnings urging their citizens to reconsider staying in or traveling to Iran.
Final Take
The Indian government’s urgent advisory comes amid a complex and rapidly evolving situation marked by widespread protests, a rising death toll, and potential for further escalation. Indian nationals in Iran are being strongly encouraged to prioritise their safety and depart by available means of travel while closely following updates from official sources.
