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Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Thursday informed the Rajya Sabha that as many as 2,557 Indian nationals were evacuated from Iran through Armenia or Azerbaijan for their onward journey to India following the escalation of hostilities in West Asia.
Responding to a series of separate questions in the Upper House of Parliament on the government's measures to protect Indians amid the Iran-USA-Gulf tensions, Singh said the Indian Embassy in Tehran facilitated the cross-border movement of Indian citizens from Iran to neighbouring countries to enable their return. "Since the onset of hostilities in West Asia in February 2026, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has facilitated the cross-border movement of 2,557 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia/Azerbaijan for their onward travel to India," Singh stated in the Rajya Sabha in a written reply. The Minister said the government estimates that around 7,000 Indian nationals continue to remain in Iran, including seminary students, medical students, workers, seafarers and fishermen. "The Government is closely monitoring the security situation in Iran and has issued timely advisories to Indian nationals depending on the developments," Singh said. He added that the Indian Embassy in Tehran has maintained a 24/7 emergency helpline and email facility to assist Indian nationals in distress and ensure continuous communication during the crisis. In its latest advisory issued on July 19, the government advised Indian nationals already present in Iran to consider temporarily exiting the country using available flight options. Those planning to travel to Iran were advised to postpone their travel plans until the situation improves. Addressing concerns related to Indian medical students who had to return from Iran due to the conflict, Singh said the government has taken up the matter with Iranian authorities and is exploring ways to mitigate the difficulties faced by affected students. The Minister also highlighted India's broader diplomatic efforts amid the West Asia crisis, stating that the government has remained in close contact with regional and international stakeholders. "India has reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to arrive at a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict," Singh said. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held discussions with counterparts on the issue, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has remained engaged with his counterparts in the region and beyond. Singh underlined that India has also stressed the importance of ensuring "unimpeded freedom of navigation and the safe flow of energy and commerce in and around the Strait of Hormuz." The government, he said, continues to engage with regional partners to protect India's strategic and economic interests while ensuring the safety and security of Indians abroad. On energy security, Singh said India has diversified its energy and fertiliser imports and strengthened its strategic petroleum reserves to safeguard long-term national interests. The Minister also informed the Parliament that Indian missions in conflict-affected regions have operated 24x7 emergency helplines, coordinated with local authorities, facilitated transit arrangements, provided logistical support, and assisted citizens with travel documentation and emergency requirements. The government said a multi-layered crisis response mechanism, including the Rapid Response Cell of the Ministry of External Affairs, continues to coordinate evacuation and assistance operations for Indians facing emergencies overseas. (ANI)
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