Several Indians, including students, have returned safely from Iran on commercial flights amid ongoing protests and a harsh government crackdown.
Indians Return From Iran Amid Protests and Crackdown (Image Source: Vedio Capture/X/@ANI)
Several Indians, including students, have returned safely from Iran on commercial flights as the country faces ongoing protests and a harsh government crackdown that has reportedly claimed over 2,500 lives.
The flights arrived at Delhi airport late Friday night. Officials have not confirmed the exact number of Indians who returned on these services. Among the travelers was Ali Naqui, part of a group of 12 to 13 people. He said, “We didn’t face any problem. We have returned from Tehran. Earlier, we were in Iraq, then we travelled to Iran. After an eight-day stay there, we have returned to India.”
A young woman studying at a medical college in Shiraz shared that limited internet access made it difficult to know the full situation in Iran. “The Internet was not working. So, we didn’t exactly know what was happening around the country,” she said, adding that the situation in her city “was fine.”
She clarified that her return was not facilitated by the Indian government: “We have come back on our own on a commercial flight, not through any arrangement by the Indian government.”
Late into the night, families anxiously gathered at the airport to welcome relatives arriving from Iran. Many said they had been worried during the internet blackout but were reassured by messages from the Indian Embassy in Tehran.
Abbas Qazmi, whose mother and aunt returned, said, “There was definitely some anxiety because it was a global issue, and when the Internet was shut, we were quite worried. But as soon as communication resumed, we realised that things were under control. My mother’s flight was already scheduled, so things went smoothly, and we are happy.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that around 9,000 Indian nationals currently reside in Iran, mostly students. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The Indian community also includes sailors, pilgrims, and people associated with business.”
The government has issued multiple advisories advising citizens not to travel to Iran at this time. “Indian nationals residing there have been advised to leave through any available means. Commercial flights are still operating, and they should make use of those options,” Jaiswal added.
The protests in Iran began late last month in Tehran after the rial fell sharply in value and inflation surged. The unrest has now spread to all 31 provinces, reflecting widespread public anger over the economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
