New Delhi, March 16: In a remarkable diplomatic and logistical achievement amid escalating West Asia tensions, India has evacuated over 550 of its nationals from conflict-ridden Iran through neighboring Armenia, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar publicly thanking Yerevan on Monday for facilitating the critical land-border transit route.
“Heartfelt thanks to the Government and people of Armenia for enabling the safe evacuation of over 550 Indian nationals from Iran so far. Appreciate their support in these challenging times,” Jaishankar posted on social media from Brussels, where he is engaged in high-level meetings. The gratitude underscores Armenia’s pivotal role as a safe passage hub, allowing Indians to bypass dangerous air routes directly from Iranian territory.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier disclosed that approximately 9,000 Indian citizens remain in Iran, comprising a diverse group including university students pursuing medical and technical courses, seafarers docked at Persian Gulf ports, business professionals, and religious pilgrims visiting Shia shrines. In proactive measures, Indian missions shifted hundreds from high-risk Tehran and border areas to relatively safer inland cities like Isfahan and Shiraz over the past week.
New Delhi issued urgent advisories urging all Indians to voluntarily relocate to Armenia or Azerbaijan for commercial flights home, emphasizing the rapidly deteriorating security environment triggered by Iran’s standoff with Israel and proxy escalations across the region. “Those wishing to return should proceed immediately via land borders,” MEA helplines emphasized, operating 24/7 with support from Indian embassies in Tehran, Yerevan, and Baku.
Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed Sunday that evacuation flights are being coordinated with Air India and private carriers, with the first batch of 120 students landing in Delhi early Monday. “Our priority remains citizen safety. Operations continue round-the-clock,” he stated, noting collaboration with local Armenian authorities for transit camps, medical screenings, and transport to Yerevan’s Zvartnots Airport.
This operation revives memories of India’s swift evacuations during the 2020 Iran-Israel tensions and 2023 Sudan crisis, showcasing the MEA’s robust crisis machinery. The 550 figure represents over 6% of registered Indians, with estimates suggesting 2,000-3,000 more could exit within 72 hours if conflict intensifies. Challenges include congested border crossings, limited bus services, and some nationals opting to stay due to professional commitments.
Domestically, the government faces pressure to expand operations amid reports of 70 Kashmiri students among recent returnees via commercial flights. NDMA teams are on standby at Indian airports for health screenings, while helplines report overwhelming response from families tracking loved ones.
As West Asia volatility persists—with Tehran issuing fresh threats and Israeli strikes reported—India’s evacuation underscores its non-aligned foreign policy balancing ties with Iran ( Chabahar port partner) while safeguarding citizens. Jaishankar’s thanks to Armenia also strengthens bilateral ties, potentially paving way for enhanced people-to-people connectivity.
The coming days will test India’s contingency planning as numbers swell, with contingency plans for sea evacuations via Bandar Abbas under consideration if land routes falter. For now, the mission exemplifies Operation Rahat-style efficiency, bringing relief to anxious families back home
