The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that more than 1,200 Indian nationals have been successfully evacuated from Iran as volatility continues to sweep across West Asia.

This strategic operation is being managed by the Centre with precise coordination on the ground to ensure the safety of those caught in the crossfire of the regional conflict.

In a recent inter-ministerial briefing held in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal detailed the logistics of the rescue mission. He revealed that the evacuation is being facilitated through the neighbouring nations of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Of the total number of citizens moved so far, a significant majority—845 individuals—are students who were pursuing their education in the region.

The breakdown of the transit routes shows that 996 nationals have been moved into Armenia, while a further 204 have reached Azerbaijan. The Indian government, through its various missions and in collaboration with local authorities in these two countries, is providing comprehensive assistance to these evacuees as they await their final transit back to India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been actively engaging with global counterparts to address the deteriorating security situation. On 28 March, the Prime Minister spoke with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to exchange views on the West Asian crisis. During this dialogue, the Prime Minister condemned recent attacks on energy infrastructure and emphasised the necessity of maintaining secure shipping lanes for free navigation.

The scale of the exodus from the wider region is substantial, with over 6.24 lakh passengers having returned to India since late February. This massive movement of people comes as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran enters its second month, prompting a significant shift in regional security dynamics.

Commercial and non-scheduled flight operations are currently being managed with a high degree of caution. Despite the tension, airlines are expected to operate around 90 flights from the United Arab Emirates to various Indian cities today. These flights remain subject to strict operational and safety considerations to protect passengers during transit.

Further addressing the welfare of the Indian community, Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), provided an update on an Indian national who was injured in the UAE earlier this week. He reiterated that the safety and security of all Indian citizens residing in the Gulf and surrounding areas remain the government’s primary concern during this period of heightened instability.

ANI