India Issues Travel Advisory For Iran As Anti-Khamenei Protests Intensify, 3,000 Students At Risk

The Indian government has cautioned its nationals against making non-essential trips to Iran, pointing to recent developments unfolding in the country. In an advisory, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin currently in Iran should exercise caution, avoid areas where demonstrations are occurring, and monitor updates from the Embassy of India in Tehran through official communication channels. Indians holding long-term visas and living in Iran are encouraged to complete their registration with the embassy if they have not already done so.

The civil unrest in Iran initially erupted due to steep price increases and financial hardships but has since broadened to include demands related to human rights issues. The volatile situation is further complicated by strained relations with the United States, particularly following Washington’s recent military operations in Venezuela connected to the now-deposed president Nicolas Maduro.

See the post from MEA regarding advisory here

As demonstrations across Iran continue to intensify over economic grievances, Indian student organizations have called on the government to act urgently and develop emergency evacuation strategies for thousands of Indian students pursuing their education in the West Asian country. The protest movement, which gained momentum in late December 2025, has significantly escalated in recent weeks.

Close to 3,000 Indian students studying medicine, predominantly in MBBS courses, are enrolled at Iranian universities, with roughly 2,000 originating from the Kashmir Valley. On Friday, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking “immediate intervention” to protect the safety, security, well-being, and dignity of Indian students, with special emphasis on those from Kashmir.

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The turmoil in Tehran erupted on December 28, 2025, when merchants launched a strike protesting against inflated prices and the country’s struggling economy. Since then, the demonstrations have intensified and evolved beyond economic issues to include broader political grievances.