The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday issued a renewed travel advisory advising Indian citizens to refrain from travelling to Iran, citing the deteriorating security situation amid widespread anti-government protests across the country. The warning comes as unrest in Iran enters its third consecutive week, with the capital city of Tehran remaining one of the focal points of the demonstrations.
In an official statement, the ministry said that Indian nationals are being “once again strongly advised” to avoid all non-essential travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice. The advisory reflects growing concern within the government over the safety of foreign nationals as protests continue to escalate in both scale and intensity.
According to reports cited by authorities, more than 2,000 people are believed to have lost their lives since the protests began, while several thousand others have reportedly been injured or detained. The ongoing violence and the uncertain law-and-order situation have raised alarms for diplomatic missions and foreign governments with citizens currently present in the country.
Alongside the advisory issued in New Delhi, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has also urged Indian nationals who are already in Iran to make arrangements to leave at the earliest opportunity. In a separate communication, the embassy advised Indian students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists to depart using available means of transport, including commercial flights, while services remain operational.
Officials noted that the latest advisory follows an earlier warning issued on January 5, underscoring the government’s assessment that the situation has continued to worsen rather than stabilize. The ministry emphasized that the guidance would remain in effect until further notice, as developments on the ground remain fluid and unpredictable.
Indian nationals currently in Iran have also been asked to keep their travel and immigration documents, including passports and identification papers, readily accessible at all times. Authorities have stressed the importance of remaining in close contact with Indian diplomatic officials to ensure timely assistance in case of emergencies.
The embassy has further cautioned Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin to exercise a high degree of vigilance, avoid areas witnessing protests, demonstrations or clashes, and limit movement unless absolutely necessary. Citizens have been encouraged to seek consular assistance if they face any difficulty or feel their safety is at risk.
Emergency contact details have been shared by the Indian Embassy to provide immediate support, including multiple helpline numbers and a dedicated email address for consular services. Officials reiterated that these channels are available around the clock to respond to urgent requests from Indian nationals.
The government has said it will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation in Iran and issue further updates as required. For now, Indian authorities have made it clear that avoiding travel and ensuring the safe return of citizens already in the country remain top priorities amid the ongoing unrest.
