The Ministry of External Affairs has declared its commitment to ensuring the safety of Indian citizens stranded in West Asia, particularly amid increasing tensions in the region. During an Inter-Ministerial briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the operational status of the Indian Embassy in Tehran, which remains vigilant and prepared to assist Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims, who wish to exit Iran.

Assistance for Land Transit to Armenia and Azerbaijan

Jaiswal detailed the measures being taken to facilitate land border crossings for Indian citizens planning to leave Iran. He informed that the embassy is aiding those traveling through Armenia and Azerbaijan, where they can subsequently board commercial flights back to India. The spokesperson highlighted that multiple students and visitors have been relocated to different cities within Iran to enhance their safety. The embassy regularly updates and communicates with those who continue to remain in the country.

Encouragement to Stay Updated and Engaged

Jaiswal urged Indian nationals to heed official advisories and maintain contact with embassies and consulates for updated information regarding their welfare. He mentioned the importance of following announcements and updates provided through various communication platforms to ensure continuous support to the Indian community in the Gulf region. The total number of Indian nationals in Iran is estimated at around 9,000, with many having already returned home after heeding advisories to leave the country.

Monitoring and Support for the Indian Diaspora

Indian missions in the region are actively surveilling the situation, providing assistance, and issuing timely advisories to community members. Jaiswal reiterated the government’s priority regarding its substantial diaspora in the Gulf region, which numbers approximately 10 million. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are engaging with regional leaders to underscore the importance of safety for Indian nationals.

Continuous Communication with Regional Leaders

Jaiswal mentioned that there has been ongoing communication between Indian officials and their counterparts in several Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. He provided insights into the dialogues held by the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister, which focus on ensuring the safety of Indians in these regions. Jaiswal stated that the Ministry is closely tracking developments and will keep the public informed of relevant updates.

Establishment of a Control Room for Queries

A control room has been set up within the Ministry of External Affairs to manage inquiries and concerns related to the safety of Indian nationals. Jaiswal highlighted the responsiveness of the control room, noting that they have been receiving numerous calls and emails from families seeking information about their loved ones. Various communications have already been addressed, with continued efforts to provide support as needed.

Reports of Casualties and Ongoing Support Efforts

Jaiswal confirmed that there have been some casualties among Indian nationals in the region, with two confirmed deaths and one individual reported missing. He expressed condolences to the affected families. The deaths were associated with incidents involving merchant vessels. The Ministry is actively working to locate the missing individual and ensure that injured citizens are receiving the necessary medical attention. One Indian national injured in Israel is reported to be recuperating well.

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