Amid escalating Israel–Iran conflict, which has triggered missile strikes and air raids in both nations, thousands of Indian nationals—students, caregivers, tourists, and professionals—find themselves ensnared in volatile situations.
With airports closed and hostilities ongoing, both the Indian Embassy in Tehran and Tel Aviv have activated 24/7 helplines, issued crucial advisories, and reinforced diplomatic measures to protect and guide India’s diaspora.
Who Is Affected & What They’re Facing
Indian Nationals in Iran:
- Around 10,765 Indians reside in Iran; many are local business owners or academicians.
- Additionally, approximately 1,500 Indian students, particularly from Jammu & Kashmir, are studying in cities like Tehran and Zahedan, reporting air raid sirens, nightly disruption, and sleeplessness.
- Some are forced to sleep in mosques repurposed as bomb shelters while monitoring unstable security situations .
Indian Nationals in Israel:
- Approximately 18,000 Indians, including caregivers, IT professionals, gem traders, and students, reside in Israel across locations such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Negev region
- The sudden escalation in violence has prompted embassy advisories to stay close to shelters and heed Home Front Command alerts
Government Engagement: MEA and State Appeals
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly emphasized keeping Indian nationals connected and informed through its helplines and social media channels. They are coordinating closely with both embassies.
- In Jammu & Kashmir, parents of stranded students have petitioned MEA to expedite rescues amid growing fear for their safety .
- The MEA has also appealed to Israel and Iran to exercise restraint and ensure civilian safety, underlining its growing concern over possible escalation
What You Should Do: Embassy Advisory Checklist
- Stay Calm & Informed:
Stay tuned to embassy updates and public advisories via X/Twitter, Telegram, and MEA channels . - Reach Out Immediately:
- In Iran: Use +98 9128109115 / +98 9128109109 or WhatsApp.
- In Israel: Dial +972 54‑7520711 / +972 54‑3278392 or email the embassy
- Follow Safety Protocols:
- Avoid non-essential travel.
- Stay close to local bomb shelters—mosques in Iran, Home Front Command zones in Israel
- Have Your Documents Handy:
Keep your passport, visa, and emergency contact list accessible. - Communicate with Family:
If you move to a safer location or across a border, inform loved ones and the embassy promptly.
Evacuation Strategy: What India Is Planning
- With airports shut in Iran and Israel, India has turned to alternate evacuation channels.
- The Iranian government has announced open land borders for Indian nationals crossing into neighboring countries—on condition that India furnishes a comprehensive list of evacuees (passport details, intended crossing points/time, and vehicle info)
- The MEA is also exploring neighbouring country routes to facilitate charter flights, once conditions permit .
- This coordinated land evacuation strategy reflects India’s broader crisis-response capability, reminiscent of Operation Ganga in Ukraine (2022)
Wider Context: Israel–Iran War and Civilian Impact
- In recent days, the conflict escalated through missile strikes and air raids exchanging fire between Israel and Iran, leading to civilian casualties and major infrastructure damage .
- Civilian life has been disrupted deeply: mosques in Iran are shelters, and in Israel, civilians are being urged to stay indoors near safe zones .
- Indian citizens in both countries are sleeping in temporary shelters and reporting nighttime chaos caused by explosions .
As Indian nationals remain caught up in this volatile region, India’s missions in Tehran and Tel Aviv have acted swiftly—launching helplines, issuing “stay alert” advisories, and forging pathways for emergency land evacuations.
While military action surges and airports shut down, India is relying on diplomatic pressure and coordination with local authorities to prioritize civilian safety.
