New Delhi, Jan 15 (.) Amid the escalating situation in Iran, where over 2,500 people are reported killed in the violent protests, the Indian government is making preparations to evacuate its nationals from the strife-torn country, sources said.
“In view of the evolving situation in Iran, the Ministry of External Affairs is making preparations to facilitate return of Indian nationals who wish to travel back to India,” sources said on Thursday.
There are around 10,000 Indian nationals currently in Iran, according to estimates. Of these, medical students comprise around 3,000, while there are also around 4,000 seminary students. Around 2,000 Indian fishermen are also reported to reside in coastal areas in Iran. Besides, there are also business professionals, tourists, and thousands of Shia pilgrims who visit Iran annually.
The latest development comes a day after the Ministry of External Affairs, in a fresh advisory, said that, in view of the ongoing developments in Iran, Indian nationals are once again strongly advised to avoid travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice.
The Embassy of India in Tehran, in an advisory said that in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in the country, be it students, pilgrims, businesspersons or tourists, are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights.
In a previous advisory issued on Jan 5, the MEA had urged its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs, in its advisory, had asked Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) residing in Iran to exercise due caution and avoid visiting areas of protests. MEA said Indian nationals living in Iran on resident visas are advised to register with the Indian Embassy, if not already done so.
The advisories were issued in view of the raging protests in Iran, that began late last month after the Iranian currency rial plunged to record lows. The protests have since spread to all 31 provinces.
The death toll from the nationwide protests has increased to over 2,500, according to US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
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