More than 550 Indians cross into Armenia, 90 into Azerbaijan from Iran, MEA says

Tehran: Amid the intensifying conflict in West Asia, hundreds of Indian citizens have been evacuated from Iran into neighbouring Armenia and Azerbaijan through land borders, facilitated by the Indian embassy in Tehran and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that 550 Indian nationals crossed into Armenia, including 284 pilgrims, while 90 others entered Azerbaijan. Some of these citizens have already returned to India, and the remaining are expected to fly home within the coming days. The embassy assisted with visas and other necessary immigration formalities to ensure a smooth transit.

Indian students in Iran were relocated from Tehran to safer cities as a precautionary measure. Despite operational challenges, the Indian embassy in Tehran remains fully functional, maintaining contact with citizens across the country, including seafarers and fishermen.

Air travel arrangements for returnees are ongoing, with 45 flights scheduled from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. Since the start of hostilities on 28 February, around 220,000 Indian nationals have returned home from West Asia. Operations at Dubai International Airport have resumed following a temporary suspension due to a drone strike, and flights continue from other regional airports, including Abu Dhabi, Ras al Khaimah, Fujairah, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

Officials reaffirmed that the government continues to monitor the evolving situation in West Asia to ensure the safety of over 10 million Indians residing in the region, providing support for visas, logistics, and transit where necessary.

The ongoing US-Israel military operation in Iran, launched on 28 February, has prompted India to intensify its evacuation efforts. Land routes were utilised as Iranian airspace remains closed. The MEA, through its embassy in Tehran, coordinated movements, ensuring citizens had proper documentation and safe transit.

Among the evacuees, 284 were pilgrims who had travelled to Iran for religious purposes. The Indian embassy also prioritised the relocation of students from Tehran to safer locations. The Ministry of Shipping facilitated the repatriation of 286 Indian seafarers from Gulf nations, including 10 recent returns.

Airspace restrictions across the region have complicated travel. While Qatar’s airspace is partially open and Dubai operations have resumed, Kuwait remains closed. Special non-scheduled flights via Saudi Arabia are assisting nationals in Bahrain and Iraq.

This coordinated effort reflects India’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad amid the rapidly evolving West Asia conflict.