India plans evacuation of nationals from Iran amid escalating unrest | Fusion - WeRIndia

The Indian government is preparing to evacuate its nationals from Iran as safety concerns grow amid ongoing unrest in the country.

According to official sources, the first batch of evacuees is likely to be flown out as early as today, marking the beginning of a coordinated evacuation effort.

As per the parents of Indian students stranded in Iran, their children have been asked to be ready by 8 am today.

They said students have been instructed to keep all travel documents prepared, as arrangements for evacuation are currently underway.

Authorities are also compiling a passenger manifest, while required clearances are being sought from relevant agencies in both India and Iran.

Government sources stated that the situation is being closely monitored, and plans are being adjusted based on ground realities.

The focus remains on ensuring the safe and orderly return of Indian nationals. Officials added that evacuation strategies are under constant review, considering the rapidly changing conditions in Iran.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has begun collecting details of Indian students located across different regions of the country.

However, the process has been slowed due to internet blackouts in several areas, which have disrupted communication and coordination efforts.

Concerns over the safety of Indian citizens, particularly students, have intensified as protests continue to spread across Iran.

The unrest began late last month after the Iranian currency, the rial, fell to record lows.

Initially driven by economic grievances, the protests have since expanded across all 31 provinces, with demonstrators now demanding political reforms.

Rights groups have claimed that at least 3,428 people have been killed during a crackdown on nationwide protests, with the security situation deteriorating significantly in recent days.

Estimates suggest that more than 10,000 Indians, including a large number of students, are currently residing in Iran.

Earlier this week, India issued an advisory urging all its nationals in Iran to leave the country using available means and to avoid any non-essential travel there.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran specifically advised students, pilgrims, businesspersons, and tourists to exit Iran via commercial flights or other accessible transport options.

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Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tehran_Mehrabad_Airport_Winter_2019.jpg