India prepares to evacuate stranded nationals from Iran as tensions escalate

The Government of India is preparing to evacuate stranded Indians from Iran, as the tensions escalate in the country due to the protests against the regime, according to reports.

Reports citing sources noted that the first batch of evacuees may leave for India as soon as tommorow.

Meanwhile the J&K government on Thursday nominated a coordination and liaison officer with agencies concerned for residents and students of the UT presently residing/studying in Iran. 

 “In view of the prevailing situation in Iran, Anil Sharma, JKAS, Additional Resident Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir government, New Delhi, is hereby designated for coordination and liaison with the concerned agencies in respect of residents and students presently residing/studying in Iran,” an order issued by the General Administration Department said.

“The officer shall coordinate and liaise with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the concerned embassy/consular authorities and other relevant agencies as may be required to facilitate information sharing, coordination and necessary interventions related to the safety, welfare and travel facilitation of the related matters of the residents/students of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in Iran.”

There are dozens of students belonging to J&K studying different professional courses, including MBBS, in Iran. In addition, many pilgrims from J&K belonging to the Shia Muslim community are presently in Iran paying obeisance at places of reverence.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke to External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar on the issue.

“Just spoke to EAM @DrSJaishankar ji about the evolving situation in Iran. He shared his assessment of the ground situation & the plans that the External Affairs Ministry is working on. I’m grateful for his assurance that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests & lives of students & other people from J&K who are in Iran now”, Abdullah said in a post on X.

Earlier on January 5, India had advised its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran until further notice, owing to the recent developments in the country.

“Indian citizens and PIOs currently in Iran should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, and closely monitor news as well as the website and social media handles of the Embassy of India in Tehran,” read an advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

“Indian nationals living in Iran on resident-visas are advised to register with the Indian Embassy, if not already done so,” it added.

Iran is witnessing violent protests in a number of cities, resulting in the killing of several people and rising tensions in the entire region.

(with inputs from syndicated feed)