As the Israel-Iran war rages into its fourth day, India has launched a major evacuation operation to ensure the safety of its citizens stranded in Iran. Government sources confirmed that the first batch of 100 Indian nationals is set to cross into Armenia tonight via a land route, following diplomatic coordination between New Delhi and Tehran.
This urgent move follows Tehran’s approval of a safe passage for at least 10,000 Indian students and residents currently stuck in conflict-hit regions of Iran. The evacuation became necessary as Israel continues its airstrikes on major Iranian cities, escalating regional tensions and pushing diplomatic efforts into high gear.
Iran, having declared its airspace closed amid fears of further Israeli attacks, has advised foreign nationals to use alternative land routes. According to officials, Indian nationals are now being directed to cross into neighboring countries like Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan through designated checkpoints.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has been actively coordinating the process and issued an advisory on June 15, urging all Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to remain in contact with embassy officials, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated through official social media handles. The embassy emphasised it is closely monitoring the security situation and has engaged with local student groups to ensure safety and streamline logistics.
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Tehran warns of 'more painful' retaliation
Meanwhile, the geopolitical situation remains volatile. In a stern warning, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Tehran would deliver an even "more painful response" if the United States fails to restrain Israel’s aggression. During a phone call with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on Monday, Pezeshkian asserted that Iran's military has already showcased its retaliatory capability by swiftly targeting Israeli-backed forces after recent deadly strikes.
"If these violations are repeated, Iran's response will be even harsher and more decisive," the Iranian President warned, signaling the possibility of a broader regional escalation if diplomatic interventions fail. As global tensions mount and regional powers take sides, India’s swift evacuation of its citizens is being seen as a necessary and strategic move to avoid civilian casualties and protect its diaspora in the war-affected region.
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