Iran unrest: India plans evacuation of nationals as crisis deepens

The Indian government has begun drawing up contingency plans to bring back Indian nationals stranded in Iran amid mounting safety concerns, sources said on Thursday. The External Affairs Ministry is preparing to facilitate the return of those who wish to travel back as unrest continues across large parts of the country.

Students from Golestan University, along with a small number from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Tehran University of Medical Sciences, are expected to form the first evacuation batch. Sources said the group could be flown out as early as Friday, subject to security clearances and flight availability.

“All students have been registered and instructed to remain ready,” the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association said, adding that the Indian Embassy has collected passports and personal details.

Airspace disruptions complicate evacuation

Evacuation planning has been complicated by disruptions to air travel after Iran briefly shut its airspace on Thursday, affecting several international routes. Air India cancelled at least three US-bound flights and warned of possible delays to Europe-bound services before Iranian airspace was reopened.

Embassy officials are also relying largely on physical outreach, as internet and telecom services remain unreliable in many areas.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he had spoken to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who assured him that all steps were being taken to protect Indian students.

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Iran’s ambassador to India insisted the situation was under control. However, rights groups claim at least 3,428 people have been killed in the crackdown. Official estimates suggest over 10,000 Indians are currently in Iran.