Indian Nationals Evacuated Amid Rising Tensions in Iran
Evacuation of Indian Students and Nationals
New Delhi, June 17: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that Indian students residing in Tehran have been relocated due to safety concerns, and some Indian citizens have been assisted in exiting the country via the Armenia border amidst the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran.
As the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates into its fifth day, missile strikes from Iran have targeted Israel, activating air raid sirens in Haifa and numerous other locations across northern Israel and the Golan Heights, as reported by the Israeli military.
"The Embassy has facilitated the movement of Indian students out of Tehran for their safety. Additionally, other Indian nationals who can manage their own transport have been advised to leave the city given the current situation," stated the MEA.
"Furthermore, arrangements have been made for some Indians to exit Iran through the Armenia border," it added.
The MEA emphasized that the Indian Embassy is actively communicating with the local community to offer necessary assistance and will issue further advisories regarding the safety of Indian nationals.
Earlier, India urged its citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) in Iran to evacuate Tehran and relocate to safer areas due to the escalating tensions.
"All Indian Nationals and PIOs capable of leaving Tehran independently are advised to move to a secure location outside the city," the Indian Embassy in Iran announced on X.
Indians were encouraged to maintain contact with the Embassy and provide their current locations and contact details.
The Embassy also shared helpline numbers -- +989010144557; +989128109115; +989128109109 -- to assist with the evacuation process.
This advisory follows Israel's warning to residents to evacuate central Tehran, indicating a potential escalation in military actions against Iran.
Avichay Adraee, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, urged residents of District C in northeastern Tehran to evacuate.
"In the coming hours, the Israeli army will conduct operations in this area, similar to previous actions in other parts of Tehran, targeting military infrastructure associated with the Iranian regime," Adraee stated.
"Your presence in this area poses a risk to your life. For your safety, we strongly advise immediate evacuation."
District C houses several key state institutions, government offices, and intelligence facilities, according to reports.
The Israeli military has indicated that their warplanes have been active since morning, striking trucks carrying weapons and missile launchers moving from western Iran towards Tehran.