India Prepares Evacuation Plan as Tensions Rise in Iran

Last updated: 15 January 2026 09:39

3 Min Read

**MEA prepares evacuation of Indians from Iran as tensions rise, with states and embassies coordinating safe return of students, workers and pilgrims**

Amid growing uncertainty in Iran, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has begun preparations to bring back Indian nationals who wish to return home. The move comes a day after the Indian Embassy in Tehran advised Indians to leave the country using any available means of transport, including commercial flights, as the situation continues to evolve.

Government sources said the evacuation planning gained momentum after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart on Wednesday evening. The discussion focused on the safety of Indian citizens and the need to remain in close contact as conditions on the ground change rapidly.

According to unofficial estimates, around 10,000 Indian nationals are currently living in Iran. This includes medical students, seminary students, nearly 2,000 fishermen, as well as pilgrims and business professionals spread across different regions of the country.

A significant number of Indian citizens in Iran, particularly medical students, are from Jammu and Kashmir. In response, the Jammu and Kashmir government has appointed a nodal officer to coordinate with the Centre and diplomatic authorities. Student groups have indicated that the first batch of students may return to India as early as Friday.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he personally spoke with Jaishankar, who assured him that all necessary steps are being taken to protect the interests of students from the Union Territory caught in the current turmoil.

The Indian Embassy in Iran has urged all Indian nationals to register with the mission to help authorities track and assist them. However, limited internet connectivity has slowed the registration process. To address this, family members in India have been allowed to complete the registration on behalf of their relatives through the MEA’s official portal.

There has been some relief on the travel front, as Iran has reopened its airspace to civilian flights after a temporary closure. Student associations said the Indian Embassy has collected documents and passports, and students have been asked to remain ready for departure as evacuation plans take shape.

Meanwhile, Indian officials are also assessing the possible impact of proposed U.S. trade measures against countries doing business with Iran. The government has clarified that India’s trade with Iran is limited and largely humanitarian in nature, and New Delhi is awaiting detailed orders before drawing conclusions.

As reported by usaharmony.com, the government’s priority remains the safety and well-being of Indian citizens abroad. With diplomatic channels active and evacuation preparations underway, authorities are closely monitoring developments to ensure a smooth and safe return for those who choose to come back.

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Jacob Charles is a dedicated Senior Reporter at USAHarmony, where he has been making significant contributions for the past year. With a keen focus on the insurance industry, Jacob covers a range of topics that delve into the complexities and nuances of insurance-related issues. His reporting not only informs consumers but also sheds light on corporate practices and regulatory changes that impact individuals and businesses alike. In his role, Jacob investigates and writes about various facets of the insurance world, including health insurance, auto insurance, property insurance, and emerging trends like insurtech innovations. He seeks to illuminate how these topics affect everyday lives, from the intricacies of policy selection to the implications of recent legislation. Jacob’s ability to translate complex insurance jargon into accessible language makes his work valuable to both industry professionals and general readers. His commitment to holding powerful corporations accountable drives his investigative approach. Jacob often highlights stories of consumers facing challenges within the insurance system, bringing attention to issues such as claim denials, fraud, and the importance of consumer rights. His work aims to empower readers with knowledge, helping them navigate the often-complicated world of insurance. Jacob’s background in journalism, coupled with his passion for storytelling, positions him as a knowledgeable and trusted voice in the industry. He leverages data, interviews, and expert opinions to produce comprehensive articles that not only inform but also engage his audience. His contributions to USAHarmony reflect a commitment to quality journalism and a desire to serve the public interest. As part of his responsibilities, Jacob also collaborates with colleagues to ensure that USAHarmony maintains a robust online presence, driving discussions around important insurance topics on social media and other platforms. His dedication to ethical reporting is evident in his commitment to fact-checking and presenting balanced perspectives in his stories. In addition to his reporting duties, Jacob is continuously looking for ways to expand his knowledge of the insurance industry, attending industry conferences and engaging with professionals to stay informed about the latest developments and trends. His proactive approach and passion for the field make him an asset to USAHarmony and a respected figure in insurance journalism.Jacob Charles is a dedicated Senior Reporter at USAHarmony, where he has been making significant contributions for the past year. With a keen focus on the insurance industry, Jacob covers a range of topics that delve into the complexities and nuances of insurance-related issues. His reporting not only informs consumers but also sheds light on corporate practices and regulatory changes that impact individuals and businesses alike. In his role, Jacob investigates and writes about various facets of the insurance world, including health insurance, auto insurance, property insurance, and emerging trends like insurtech innovations. He seeks to illuminate how these topics affect everyday lives, from the intricacies of policy selection to the implications of recent legislation. Jacob’s ability to translate complex insurance jargon into accessible language makes his work valuable to both industry professionals and general readers. His commitment to holding powerful corporations accountable drives his investigative approach. Jacob often highlights stories of consumers facing challenges within the insurance system, bringing attention to issues such as claim denials, fraud, and the importance of consumer rights. His work aims to empower readers with knowledge, helping them navigate the often-complicated world of insurance. Jacob’s background in journalism, coupled with his passion for storytelling, positions him as a knowledgeable and trusted voice in the industry. He leverages data, interviews, and expert opinions to produce comprehensive articles that not only inform but also engage his audience. His contributions to USAHarmony reflect a commitment to quality journalism and a desire to serve the public interest. As part of his responsibilities, Jacob also collaborates with colleagues to ensure that USAHarmony maintains a robust online presence, driving discussions around important insurance topics on social media and other platforms. His dedication to ethical reporting is evident in his commitment to fact-checking and presenting balanced perspectives in his stories. In addition to his reporting duties, Jacob is continuously looking for ways to expand his knowledge of the insurance industry, attending industry conferences and engaging with professionals to stay informed about the latest developments and trends. His proactive approach and passion for the field make him an asset to USAHarmony and a respected figure in insurance journalism.