New Delhi: Several Indian nationals, including students, have returned to India on commercial flights from Iran as the West Asian country continues to witness widespread protests and a strong security crackdown. The arrivals were reported at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport late on Friday night, though officials did not immediately confirm the total number of passengers who returned.
Those arriving said they faced no major hurdles during their departure. Ali Naqui, who travelled as part of a group of around a dozen people, said their journey from Tehran was largely smooth. “We were earlier in Iraq and then went to Iran. We stayed there for about eight days before coming back to India,” he said, adding that they did not encounter any serious difficulties.
A medical student studying in Shiraz also returned on a commercial flight and described the situation in her city as relatively calm. However, she noted that a prolonged internet shutdown had left residents and foreign nationals largely unaware of developments elsewhere in the country. “Connectivity issues meant we didn’t really know what was happening across Iran,” she said, clarifying that her return was self-arranged and not part of any evacuation effort by the Indian government.
Scenes of relief mixed with anxiety were visible at the airport, where families gathered to welcome their relatives home. Abbas Qazmi, whose mother and aunt arrived from Iran, said the lack of communication during the internet blackout was a major cause for concern. “When communication was cut off, we were extremely worried. Once contact was restored, we realised the situation was under control,” he said. He added that his family had registered with the Indian Embassy in Tehran after advisories were issued and followed official guidance.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said it is keeping a close watch on the situation. Addressing the media on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that around 9,000 Indian nationals are currently in Iran, the majority of whom are students. Others include sailors, pilgrims and business professionals.
“In light of recent developments, we have issued multiple advisories,” Jaiswal said, noting that Indians have been advised against travelling to Iran at present. Those already in the country have been urged to leave using available options, including commercial flights, which are still operational. He added that the government remains fully prepared to take any necessary steps to safeguard Indian citizens if the situation worsens.
Iran has seen sustained unrest in recent weeks, initially triggered by rising inflation and a sharp fall in the value of the rial. What began as economic protests in Tehran has since spread to all 31 provinces, gradually taking on broader political overtones. Reports indicate that the crackdown on demonstrations has resulted in significant casualties, further heightening international concern.
