External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the government and people of Armenia for assisting in the safe evacuation of more than 550 Indian citizens from Iran. Sharing his appreciation on X, he highlighted Armenia’s crucial support during these challenging times.
The evacuation occurs amid rising tensions in West Asia following US-Israeli strikes in Iran on February 28, which resulted in the deaths of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top military officials. Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks on US and Israeli targets, regional capitals, and allied forces, heightening the conflict.
On Sunday, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) reported that the first batch of 70 Indian students evacuated through Armenia had safely arrived in Delhi. Nasir Khuehami, JKSA’s national convenor, said the group, primarily students from Jammu and Kashmir along with several pilgrims, completed a complex journey via Armenia and Dubai before landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport. He described the transit as long and challenging but successfully coordinated with authorities.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that India continues to extend comprehensive assistance to its nationals in Iran while addressing shipping and energy security concerns amid the ongoing conflict. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that several Indians have already returned home, and support continues for those planning evacuation.
According to Jaiswal, around 9,000 Indian citizens remain in Iran, including students, seafarers, professionals, businesspeople, and pilgrims. The ministry has facilitated the relocation of many individuals to safer cities, assisted with border crossings, and arranged commercial flights via Azerbaijan and Armenia for those leaving the country. Indian nationals planning to depart Iran are advised to follow the guidance issued by the Indian Embassy in Tehran to ensure safe travel.
The MEA continues to closely monitor the situation, maintaining contact with the Indian community in Iran to provide ongoing assistance and updates as the conflict in the region evolves.
