India Does Not Consider Its Citizens in Iran as ‘Stranded’ Amid Deadly Protests, Government Tells Parliament
New Delhi: The Indian government has emphasised that it does not view its approximately 9,000-10,000 nationals in Iran as “stranded” despite the ongoing political turmoil in the Islamic Republic, citing open airspace and available commercial flights as reasons no special evacuation is currently needed.
In a detailed response to a starred question in the Lok Sabha raised by MPs Anand Bhadauria and Prof. Sougata Ray, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar laid a statement on the table outlining India’s monitoring of the situation and assistance to its citizens. The query sought details on the impact of Iran’s unrest on Indians, recent repatriations, the number of stranded individuals, and India’s role in resolving tensions between Iran and the United States.
The statement comes against the backdrop of massive anti-government protests that erupted in Iran on December 28, 2025, triggered by a collapse in the Iranian rial and widespread economic hardship, including inflation rates exceeding 50% in the previous year. What began as strikes by merchants in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar quickly escalated into nationwide demonstrations demanding the overthrow of the Islamic Republic, spreading to over 400 cities and involving diverse groups such as youth, women, workers, and ethnic minorities. Human rights organisations report a brutal crackdown by Iranian security forces, with death toll estimates ranging from over 3,000 to as high as 36,500, particularly during mass killings on January 8-9, 2026, marking one of the deadliest periods of repression in decades. An internet blackout imposed since early January has further obscured the violence, with protests largely quelled by mid-January but sporadic unrest continuing.
According to the government’s statement, the Embassy of India in Tehran is in regular contact with Indian nationals, including students, and providing guidance. Travel advisories were issued on January 5 and 14, 2026, urging the avoidance of non-essential travel to Iran and advising those present to depart via commercial means while remaining vigilant. “Government does not currently view Indian nationals in Iran as stranded, given that Iranian airspace remains open and there is regular air connectivity between Iran and India and with the countries in the region,” the statement read. “A special evacuation has therefore not been arranged by the Government so far.”
The Indian diaspora in Iran, spread across 16 provinces, comprises mainly students and their families, workers, pilgrims, tourists, business persons, and seafarers. Those wishing to leave have been encouraged to use commercial flights, with the embassy offering assistance as needed.
The last government-organized evacuation from Iran occurred in June 2025 under Operation Sindhu, repatriating 3,597 Indians amid tensions between Iran and Israel. No such operations have been conducted since.
On the diplomatic front, Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on January 14, 2026, discussing the evolving situation in and around Iran. India remains engaged with various interlocutors to monitor developments, though the statement did not specify direct steps to mediate between Iran and the US.
The government affirmed it is closely assessing the unrest’s impact on Indians and national interests, with ongoing evaluations as circumstances evolve. Opposition MPs have called for heightened vigilance, but officials maintain the situation does not yet warrant emergency measures.
