New Delhi, March 16: India has evacuated over 550 of its nationals from Iran through Armenia, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanking Yerevan on Monday for facilitating the land-border transit.
New Delhi has been urging Indian nationals stuck in Iran to cross over to Armenia for subsequent travel to India in view of the escalating conflict in West Asia.
“Thank the Government and the people of Armenia for facilitating the safe evacuation of over 550 Indian nationals from Iran so far,” Jaishankar, currently on a visit to Brussels, said.
“Appreciate their support in these challenging times,” he said on social media.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said last week that around 9,000 Indians were staying in Iran, and the government of India is assisting those who want to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia for their subsequent return to India.
“These 9,000 Indian nationals comprise students; they also comprise seafarers, some business people, some professionals, and some pilgrims,” he had said.
India has already shifted several Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims, from Tehran to other safer locations and cities in Iran.
India asks its citizens not to cross Iran’s border without coordination with embassy
India on Monday asked its citizens currently in Iran not to approach or attempt to cross any land border for onward travel without prior and explicit coordination with the Indian Embassy in Tehran.
In an advisory, the Indian Embassy further said that Indian nationals who attempt to leave Iran via land borders without its knowledge and guidance are highly likely to encounter serious logistical and immigration difficulties.
“…All Indian nationals currently in Iran are strictly advised not to approach or attempt to cross any land border of Iran for onward travel without prior and explicit coordination with the Embassy of India,” the advisory said.
It said the embassy will not be in a position to provide assistance once individuals move outside Iranian territory without prior coordination.
“The Embassy is in regular contact with members of the Indian community, and coordinated arrangements are being undertaken wherever necessary. Uncoordinated movement toward land borders is strongly discouraged,” it added.
The mission urged the Indian nationals in Iran to strictly follow its advisories and remain in touch with official channels and before undertaking any travel.
The embassy also posted helpline numbers that Indian nationals could reach out to in case of travel-related queries or emergencies – Telephone: +98 912 810 9115, +98 912 810 9102, +98 9128109109, +98 993 217 9359; E-mail: cons.tehrant@mea.gov.in.
The advisory comes in the wake of recent attacks by the US and Israel on Iran.
Starting February 28, the US and Israel launched a massive joint attack on Iran and with Tehran’s retaliation, the conflict has extended to the entire Gulf region. (PTI)
