MEA Prepares Evacuation Flights for Indians in Iran Amid Regional Tensions
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is preparing to evacuate Indian citizens from Iran as regional tensions escalate. The first evacuation flight from Tehran to Delhi is scheduled for Tuesday, government sources confirmed on Monday.
Key Developments
- First Flight: Evacuation flight from Tehran to Delhi scheduled for Tuesday.
- Travel Advisory: Indian Embassy in Iran has advised all Indians against travel to Iran or Israel.
- Registration Urged: Indians residing in Iran or Israel asked to register with embassies immediately.
- Trigger: Iran’s missile and drone attack on Israel on Saturday, with Israel vowing retaliation.
Embassy Issues Urgent Advisory
On Sunday, the Indian Embassy in Iran issued a strong advisory in light of the volatile situation. “In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice,” the advisory stated.
It explicitly called on all Indian nationals currently residing in either country to register with the Indian embassies. “All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian embassies there and register themselves,” the notice added.
MEA Monitoring Situation Closely
Earlier, the MEA had stated it was closely monitoring the unfolding crisis in West Asia. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking on Thursday, emphasized citizen safety. “We are closely monitoring the situation. Our embassies in the region are in close touch with the Indian community,” Jaiswal said.
He stressed, “It is important that security and safety of our citizens are given paramount importance. We also urge them to follow the security advisories issued from time to time.”
Background: Rising Iran-Israel Conflict
The evacuation preparations follow Iran’s direct attack on Israel with missiles and drones this past Saturday. This assault was a retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria earlier this month. Israel has vowed a response, significantly raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
