Indian Nationals Safely Evacuated from Iran Thanks to Armenian Support

In a significant development, over 550 Indian nationals have been safely evacuated from Iran, thanks to the support of the Armenian government. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed gratitude for this assistance amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has escalated following US-Israeli strikes. The first group of students has already returned to India, with efforts continuing to ensure the safety of remaining nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs is actively coordinating evacuation efforts and providing necessary support to those wishing to leave Iran. This article delves into the details of the evacuation process and the challenges faced by Indian nationals in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 16:32 IST

Evacuation of Indian Nationals from Iran

Brussels, March 16: On Monday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed gratitude towards the Armenian government and its citizens for their role in the safe evacuation of over 550 Indian nationals from Iran.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "I thank the Government and people of Armenia for their support in facilitating the safe return of more than 550 Indian nationals from Iran during these challenging times."

This statement comes in light of the escalating conflict in West Asia, which intensified after US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, resulting in the deaths of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking military officials. Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting US and Israeli interests, as well as allied forces in the region.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) reported that the first group of 70 Indian students evacuated from Iran via Armenia has safely arrived in Delhi.

Nasir Khuehami, the national convenor of JKSA, mentioned, "The initial batch of over 70 Indian students, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir, along with some pilgrims, who were stranded in Iran due to the ongoing conflict, have successfully landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, this morning on a commercial flight as part of the evacuation process."

He added, "The students made their way back to India through a connecting journey via Armenia and Dubai, following a challenging land and air transit organized in collaboration with the relevant authorities."

On March 12, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) indicated that efforts are ongoing to assist Indian nationals in Iran, addressing concerns related to shipping safety and the nation's energy security amid the conflict in West Asia.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that many citizens have returned home, while support continues for those intending to leave. The ministry has urged Indian nationals wishing to exit Iran to follow the advisory recently issued by the Indian Embassy in Tehran.

Jaiswal noted, "We have approximately 9,000 Indian nationals in Iran, including students, seafarers, businesspeople, professionals, and pilgrims. Following earlier advisories, many Indian nationals, particularly students, have already returned. We have also relocated several Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims from Tehran, to safer locations within the country."

He further stated, "We are assisting Indian nationals who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia, facilitating their commercial flights back home. We are providing support with visas and border crossings. Several Indian nationals have approached us for assistance, and we have helped them cross into Azerbaijan and Armenia for their return flights."

Jaiswal urged Indian nationals planning to leave Iran via land borders to adhere to the advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Tehran on March 9.

"Our mission in Tehran maintains constant communication with our community members and is providing all possible assistance," he concluded.