New Delhi | 16 March 2026

Amid rising tensions in West Asia, the government of India has confirmed that hundreds of its citizens have safely moved out of Iran through neighbouring nations. Authorities are continuing efforts to assist Indian nationals in the region as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran continues to create uncertainty.

During an inter-ministerial briefing, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said that several Indian citizens have already crossed land borders to safer areas. According to him, 550 Indian nationals have entered Armenia, while another 90 have moved into Azerbaijan. He also noted that around 284 Indians had travelled to Iran for pilgrimage, and while some have already returned home, others are expected to return in the coming days.

Officials said the Embassy of India in Tehran remains fully operational and is actively coordinating assistance for citizens on the ground. As a precaution, Indian students studying in Tehran have been relocated to safer cities outside the capital. The government added that authorities are in regular contact with state governments and Union Territories, while helplines continue to assist Indians currently in the region.

Travel arrangements are also being closely monitored. Officials stated that 45 flights are scheduled on Monday from Gulf countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar for passengers travelling to India. However, airspace in Kuwait remains closed, though authorities expect special non-scheduled flights to operate soon. For travellers currently in Bahrain and Iraq, transit routes through Saudi Arabia are being arranged.

Meanwhile, the government confirmed that two Indian nationals were killed in Sohar in Oman. Officials said the Embassy of India in Muscat is in contact with the families of the victims as well as local authorities, and arrangements are being made to bring the mortal remains back to India.

 Hundreds of Indians Exit Iran Through Neighbouring Countries as West Asia Tensions Escalate

Amid rising tensions in West Asia, the government of India has confirmed that hundreds of its citizens have safely moved out of Iran through neighbouring nations. Authorities are continuing efforts to assist Indian nationals in the region as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran continues to create uncertainty.

During an inter-ministerial briefing, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said that several Indian citizens have already crossed land borders to safer areas. According to him, 550 Indian nationals have entered Armenia, while another 90 have moved into Azerbaijan. He also noted that around 284 Indians had travelled to Iran for pilgrimage, and while some have already returned home, others are expected to return in the coming days.

Officials said the Embassy of India in Tehran remains fully operational and is actively coordinating assistance for citizens on the ground. As a precaution, Indian students studying in Tehran have been relocated to safer cities outside the capital. The government added that authorities are in regular contact with state governments and Union Territories, while helplines continue to assist Indians currently in the region.

Travel arrangements are also being closely monitored. Officials stated that 45 flights are scheduled on Monday from Gulf countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar for passengers travelling to India. However, airspace in Kuwait remains closed, though authorities expect special non-scheduled flights to operate soon. For travellers currently in Bahrain and Iraq, transit routes through Saudi Arabia are being arranged.

Meanwhile, the government confirmed that two Indian nationals were killed in Sohar in Oman. Officials said the Embassy of India in Muscat is in contact with the families of the victims as well as local authorities, and arrangements are being made to bring the mortal remains back to India.