New Delhi, January 15, 2026 – With tensions between Iran and the United States escalating to dangerous levels, the Indian government has issued an advisory urging its citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately. The advisory comes as protests against the Iranian government have intensified nationwide, resulting in widespread violence and thousands of casualties. Analysts warn that the situation could spiral into full-scale conflict at any time.
Thousands of Indians in Iran
According to official estimates, over 10,000 Indians, including NRIs and PIOs, reside in Iran. Of these, at least 3,000 are students, with nearly 2,300 from Jammu & Kashmir pursuing medical studies or Shia religious education in cities like Tehran, Shiraz, Mashhad, and Qom. Additionally, Indian workers and engineers are employed in strategic locations, including the Chabahar port and other coastal areas. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is maintaining constant contact with its nationals to facilitate prompt evacuation if required.
Crisis in Tehran
Reports indicate that hospitals in Tehran are overwhelmed with casualties. Families are reportedly forced to pay exorbitant sums for the release of their loved ones’ bodies, with costs reaching 50 crore toman (approx. $4,000 / ₹3.6 lakh). Some officials have even demanded payment per bullet. Local residents say food shortages are severe, with basic items like bread and eggs becoming scarce.
Abgeen Khaki, originally from Tehran and now residing in southern India, told The Times of India, “Hospitals are full of corpses, and authorities are using bulldozers to clear streets. Families are forced to pay huge sums before they can retrieve bodies. The unrest is intense, yet people continue to protest despite the danger.”
Security Situation
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has reportedly shifted from pellet guns to live ammunition in suppressing protests, with curfews in place from afternoon till morning. Despite the risks, civilians continue to take to the streets. Internet and phone restrictions have made communication with family members extremely difficult. Many Indian parents, whose children are studying in Iran, have expressed deep concern for their safety.
Mohammad Ameen Bhat from Srinagar, whose daughter studies medicine in Shiraz, said, “The advisory from the Indian government has added to our worry. Flights are costly, and with internet disruptions, sending tickets or updates has become almost impossible. We are constantly appealing for safe repatriation.”
Indian Government Advisory
On January 14, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs issued updated guidelines advising all Indian nationals to leave Iran immediately and suspend all non-essential travel. Students, tourists, and workers have been urged to make use of available flights and transportation options for safe evacuation.
Safety Measures for Indians in Iran
- Immediate evacuation: Use all available transportation to leave Iran safely.
- Register with the Indian Embassy: Contact the Indian Embassy in Tehran to ensure assistance during emergencies.
- Avoid conflict zones: Stay away from protests, rallies, and large public gatherings.
- Stay informed: Monitor local news and official embassy updates for current security information.
- Keep documents ready: Maintain passports, IDs, and travel documents easily accessible.
- Emergency supplies: Stock essential food, water, and medications for possible shelter-in-place scenarios.
- Maintain communication: Keep phones charged and stay in touch with family and the Indian Embassy.
Indian Embassy Contacts
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has activated emergency helpline numbers and email support for citizens:
- Helpline Numbers: +989128109115, +989128109109, +989128109102, +989932179359
The Indian government continues to coordinate with international partners to ensure the safe repatriation of its citizens amid this escalating crisis.
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