West Asia Crisis: Indian Missions Playing a Key Role in Safety and Evacuation of Citizens

13th April, New Delhi– Amid the Iran–Israel conflict and rising regional tensions, the Indian Embassy in Tehran is playing a central role in ensuring the safety and evacuation of Indian citizens stranded there. According to recent reports, under “Operation Sindhu” and other evacuation efforts, the embassy has taken several significant steps to safely bring back thousands of Indians.

With Iranian airspace closed and limited flight availability, the embassy has coordinated with Armenia and Azerbaijan to arrange evacuations via land routes. Since the conflict began, more than 2,200 Indian nationals have reportedly been evacuated through these routes, including around 1,000 students and over 650 fishermen. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar stated on April 11 that an additional 312 Indian fishermen had been safely evacuated from Iran.

In a post on social media platform X, the Minister wrote, “Another 312 Indian fishermen safely evacuated from Iran to India through Armenia. Thank the Government of Armenia and my friend Ararat Mirzoyan for making this possible.” Additionally, during his UAE visit on April 12, Dr. Jaishankar met President Mohamed bin Zayed and expressed gratitude for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community during the ongoing conflict. Earlier, on April 5, 345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran were safely brought to Chennai via Armenia.

Despite the closure of air routes, India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Tehran have made every possible effort to assist distressed citizens, and the phased evacuation of Indians continues in batches.

According to media reports, many of those recently evacuated via Armenia are fishermen from Tamil Nadu’s districts of Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Nagapattinam. After returning home, the fishermen described their journey back from war-hit Iran as being like receiving a “second life.” They also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian missions for their safe return.

It is worth noting that as soon as the conflict began in West Asia, Indian missions across the region went on high alert. They have been continuously issuing advisories in the interest of Indian citizens, urging them to stay in touch with the embassy and seek guidance before heading toward any international border. Despite efforts toward ceasefire and peace talks, the situation in the region remains tense, and the Government of India is prioritizing the evacuation of those still stranded.