India has successfully evacuated more than 550 of its citizens from Iran amid escalating tensions in West Asia, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressing gratitude to Armenia for its crucial assistance in enabling safe transit.
The operation, coordinated by the Indian Embassy in Tehran, has facilitated the movement of Indian nationals—primarily students and pilgrims—out of Iran via land routes through Armenia. This has allowed them to reach safety and continue their journey back to India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that over 550 individuals have been brought out so far through this corridor, as reported by news agency PTI.
Jaishankar personally thanked the government and people of Armenia for their cooperation in supporting the evacuation process. In a public statement, he highlighted Armenia’s role in providing reliable land-border transit, which proved essential given the disruptions and risks associated with air travel and other direct routes from Iran.
The evacuations come against the backdrop of heightened regional instability, prompting New Delhi to prioritize the safety of its citizens. Earlier, India had relocated several nationals, including students and pilgrims, from Tehran to safer locations within Iran as a precautionary measure. The MEA has been in constant contact with those affected, urging them to follow advisories and coordinate departures.
This effort forms part of broader consular support extended to Indian nationals in the region, where disruptions have impacted travel. Reports indicate that around 20,000 passengers from the Gulf area have returned to India recently amid the ongoing challenges in West Asia.
The Indian government continues to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to assisting all citizens seeking to return home safely. The successful use of the Armenian route underscores effective diplomatic coordination in addressing humanitarian needs during crises.
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