New Delhi [India], July 30 (ANI): Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Thursday informed the Rajya Sabha that 2,557 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Iran through Armenia and Azerbaijan for their onward journey to India following the escalation of hostilities in West Asia.
Responding to a series of separate questions in the Upper House on the government’s measures to protect Indians amid tensions involving Iran, the United States, and the Gulf region, Singh said the Indian Embassy in Tehran facilitated the cross-border movement of Indian citizens from Iran to neighboring countries to enable their return to India.
“Since the onset of hostilities in West Asia in February 2026, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has facilitated the cross-border movement of 2,557 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia/Azerbaijan for their onward travel to India,” Singh said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
The minister said the government estimates that around 7,000 Indian nationals remain in Iran, including seminary students, medical students, workers, seafarers, and fishermen.
“The Government is closely monitoring the security situation in Iran and has issued timely advisories to Indian nationals depending on the developments,” Singh said.
He added that the Indian Embassy in Tehran has maintained a 24-hour emergency helpline and email facility to assist Indian nationals in distress and ensure continuous communication during the crisis.
In its latest advisory, issued on July 19, the government advised Indian nationals already in Iran to consider temporarily leaving the country using available commercial flights. Those planning to travel to Iran were advised to postpone their trips until the security situation improves.
Addressing concerns related to Indian medical students who returned from Iran because of the conflict, Singh said the government has taken up the matter with Iranian authorities and is exploring ways to address the challenges faced by the affected students.
The minister also highlighted India’s broader diplomatic efforts amid the West Asia crisis, saying the government has remained in close contact with regional and international stakeholders.
“India has reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to arrive at a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict,” Singh said.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held discussions with his counterparts on the issue, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has remained engaged with his counterparts across the region and beyond.
Singh also underscored India’s emphasis on ensuring “unimpeded freedom of navigation and the safe flow of energy and commerce in and around the Strait of Hormuz.”
The government, he said, continues to engage with regional partners to safeguard India’s strategic and economic interests while ensuring the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad.
On energy security, Singh said India has diversified its energy and fertilizer imports and strengthened its strategic petroleum reserves to protect the country’s long-term interests.
The minister also informed Parliament that Indian missions in conflict-affected regions have operated 24-hour emergency helplines, coordinated with local authorities, facilitated transit arrangements, provided logistical support, and assisted Indian nationals with travel documentation and other emergency requirements.
The government said a multi-layered crisis response mechanism, including the Ministry of External Affairs’ Rapid Response Cell, continues to coordinate evacuation and assistance operations for Indians facing emergencies overseas. (ANI)
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