New Delhi, Mar 13: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held crucial talks with his Iranian counterpart Syed Abbas Araghchi as India confirmed the safe exit of 170 nationals through Armenia’s land border, escaping the escalating West Asia conflict and Strait of Hormuz blockade.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced the breakthrough, noting around 9,000 Indians — students, seafarers, professionals, and pilgrims — remain in Iran. Many have relocated from high-risk Tehran to safer cities, with the government aiding visas, border crossings, and flights home via Armenia and Azerbaijan.
This follows Jaishankar’s fourth call with Araghchi since US-Israel strikes killed Ayatollah Khamenei last month, sparking Tehran’s partial Hormuz shutdown that stranded 28 Indian merchant ships carrying over 700 seafarers. Prior batches of students have returned similarly, underscoring India’s round-the-clock diplomacy.
The Embassy in Tehran stays operational, issuing advisories and coordinating with missions. PM Modi and EAM are engaging leaders for citizen safety and energy security, as fuel prices spike globally from disrupted oil flows. Officials urge remaining Indians to register, follow updates, and prioritize evacuation amid fears of wider war.
