Several Indian nationals have returned home from Iran on commercial flights that landed in Delhi over the last two days, amid continuing unrest triggered by widespread protests against Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

These flights were regular services and not part of a formal evacuation, even as the Indian government said it is fully prepared for any contingency. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued advisories urging Indians to avoid non-essential travel to Iran and, more recently, asked those currently there to leave using available commercial options.

With around 9,000 Indian nationals still present in Iran, New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with its embassy in Tehran, and seeking consular access for Indian citizens reportedly detained during the unrest.

While air traffic over Iranian airspace has partially resumed and officials suggest the situation is showing signs of stabilisation, concerns persist over safety, communication blackouts, and the humanitarian cost of the violence.

Commercial Flights Bring Indians Home Amid Safety Concerns

Late Friday night and early Saturday, multiple commercial flights from Tehran arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, carrying Indian nationals who chose to return as protests and security restrictions disrupted daily life in Iran.

Officials clarified that these were not evacuation flights, but routine services that resumed after a brief disruption earlier this month when Iranian airspace was temporarily closed due to escalating tensions. According to the MEA, India remains “in constant touch” with its citizens in Iran and is ready to extend all possible assistance.

Returnees narrated experiences marked by uncertainty, limited mobility, and prolonged internet shutdowns. An MBBS student who had been studying in Iran said she had heard about the protests but did not witness violence directly, adding that the absence of internet connectivity made it impossible to reassure her family back home.

Another Indian national, who had been in Iran for nearly a month, described the situation deteriorating over the last two weeks. “When we went outside, protesters would suddenly come in front of the car and create trouble. There was no internet, so we couldn’t inform our families. We were very worried,” he said, noting that even contacting the Indian Embassy became difficult during the blackout.

Others echoed similar concerns, saying the lack of communication and unpredictability on the streets prompted them to leave as soon as flights became available. Many thanked the Indian government and the Embassy in Tehran for issuing timely advisories and maintaining contact through whatever limited channels were available, saying the guidance helped them make informed decisions during the crisis.

Unrest In Iran, Crackdown And Global Implications

Iran has been in the grip of intense unrest since late December, when mass protests erupted across several cities against the leadership of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Human rights organisations have claimed that the government’s crackdown on demonstrators has been particularly severe, with reports suggesting that over 3,000 people may have been killed in the last two weeks alone. Iranian authorities have imposed curfews, restricted movement, and significantly curtailed internet access, drawing international criticism and concern.

The situation was further complicated by heightened geopolitical tensions, including an exchange of threats between US President Donald Trump and the Iranian regime, which raised fears of a potential military confrontation.

Although Trump has since toned down his rhetoric, global aviation authorities remain cautious. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has warned airlines against flying over Iranian airspace due to security risks, even as some routes have reopened. Earlier, on January 15, flights from India were briefly affected by the temporary closure of Iranian airspace, adding to the anxiety among Indian nationals stranded there.

Despite recent indications that protests in Tehran have reduced in intensity and that daily life is slowly returning to normal in some areas, the situation remains fragile. Several Indians who returned said that while conditions appeared to improve towards the end of their stay, uncertainty lingered.

“There was fire and the protests were dangerous earlier, but later there were fewer protesters compared to those supporting the regime,” one returnee said, thanking the government for helping students and professionals get back safely.

The MEA has also confirmed that it is seeking consular access to ten Indian nationals reportedly arrested in Iran, underscoring the complexity of the situation on the ground. Officials reiterated that the safety of Indian citizens remains a top priority and that the government is assessing developments on a real-time basis.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

The return of Indian nationals from Iran offers relief to families back home, but it also highlights the profound vulnerability of civilians during periods of political unrest and state violence. While the Indian government’s advisories, diplomatic engagement, and preparedness deserve acknowledgment, the larger tragedy unfolding in Iran cannot be overlooked. Thousands of lives lost, communication silenced, and fear normalised these are reminders of the heavy human cost when dialogue gives way to repression.

At The Logical Indian, we believe that lasting stability can only emerge from empathy, accountability, and meaningful dialogue not violence or isolation. Governments must prioritise the safety and dignity of ordinary people, regardless of political differences, while the international community must work collectively to de-escalate tensions and protect human rights.