The first emergency evacuation flight for Indian nationals is scheduled to depart from Tehran for New Delhi.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) accelerated its repatriation plans after the Indian mission in Tehran urged all citizens, including 10,000 students, pilgrims, and professionals, to leave the country “at the earliest” due to a deadly crackdown on nationwide protests.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed the deteriorating security environment with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday, leading to the scheduling of a special Air India wide-body charter flight for those unable to secure commercial seats.
While Iran briefly closed its airspace on Thursday, its reopening has allowed the government to activate contingency plans involving both civil and military aircraft to safeguard its citizens.
Deteriorating Landscape
The current unrest in Iran, triggered by economic inflation and the devaluation of the Rial, has spiralled into a historic uprising with reports of over 2,600 deaths and thousands of detentions.
This domestic instability is further complicated by the threat of U.S. military strikes, prompting India to escalate its travel guidance from “exercise caution” to a strict “do not travel” advisory.
The Indian Embassy has faced significant hurdles in coordinating with its nationals due to a near-total internet blackout imposed by Iranian authorities. To overcome this, officials have resorted to physical outreach and direct coordination with universities in major urban centres like Tehran, Qom, and Isfahan to compile priority passenger lists.
Challenges Ahead
The repatriation effort is being managed with urgency, with the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association confirming that details of students have already been collected for the first batch of departures. Priority is being given to the most vulnerable, including families with children, the elderly, and those with medical conditions.
An Air India wide-body aircraft is expected to airlift the first group of approximately 300 to 400 citizens today. For those still stranded, the MEA has provided emergency 24-hour helplines (+989128109115 and +989128109109) and urged families back in India to register their relatives on the MADAD portal if they cannot access the internet locally.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that the safety of our citizens abroad is a paramount duty that reflects our nation’s commitment to the well-being of its people.
We stand in solidarity with the families awaiting the safe return of their loved ones and commend the swift diplomatic and logistical efforts being made to ensure no Indian is left stranded in a conflict zone.
However, we also believe that true stability in any region can only be achieved through dialogue, the restoration of human rights, and the peaceful resolution of grievances. A world where people can live without fear of crackdowns or blackouts is a world we must all strive for together.
Also Read: Trump Rules Out Immediate US Strikes on Iran, Says Protest Killings Have Stopped, Options Remain
