NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs on January 14 “strongly advised” Indians to avoid travel to Iran until further notice, amid rising tensions and protests in the Islamic Republic.
“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 MEA said in a statement.
The fresh warning follows an earlier advisory issued by the Government of India on January 5, amid mounting concerns about the worsening security situation in Iran.
Separately, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised Indian nationals currently in Iran to leave the country at the earliest opportunity.
“Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights,” the Embassy said in an advisory on X.
Now, India has given notification and advisory two times to Indian nationals in Iran to leave and not travel there.
Later, it is unjustifiable to make India's MEA into "Ministry of Evacuation" blaming, complaining, and accusing like having a birth right to be taken care of.… https://t.co/IziOgTB1DO pic.twitter.com/s1GREpBeye
— Aravind (@aravind) January 14, 2026
“In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on 5 January 2025, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights,” it said.
The embassy further said, “It is reiterated that all Indian citizens and PIOs should exercise due caution,” and “avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments.”
It also stated, “All Indian nationals in Iran are requested to also have their travel and immigration documents, including passports and IDs, readily available with them. They are requested to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance in this regard.”
The advisory added, “The emergency contact helplines of the Indian Embassy are provided below: Mobile Numbers: +989128109115; +989128109109; +989128109102; +989932179359. Email: [email protected].”
The embassy also said, “All Indian nationals who are in Iran, and who have not registered with the Indian Embassy, are requested to do so on the link (https://www.meaers.com/request/home). The link is also available on the Embassy website. In case any Indian national is unable to register due to internet disruptions in Iran, their families in India are requested to do so.”
The advisories come as Iran continues to witness unrest, with the protests entering their 20th day on Wednesday. What began as demonstrations over record inflation and the steep fall in Iran’s currency has now escalated into widespread unrest, with reports of agitation at more than 280 locations.
According to Al Jazeera, Iranian state television has acknowledged reports of a high death toll linked to the nationwide protests, quoting the head of the Martyrs Foundation as saying “armed and terrorist groups” were responsible.
It further reported that internet access in Iran has remained cut off for more than five days, while international phone services have resumed intermittently.
Meanwhile, Iran is set to witness more brutality as the administration has decided to execute its first protester on Wednesday amid mass arrests of anti-regime protesters, the New York Post reported, citing human rights groups.
