Armenia Assists in Evacuation of Over 550 Indian Nationals from Iran

More than 550 Indian citizens have been evacuated from Iran through Armenia as tensions continue to rise in West Asia. The evacuation was carried out with the assistance of the Armenian authorities, who allowed the safe land-border transit of Indian nationals traveling out of Iran.

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Armenia for helping facilitate the operation. The evacuation effort was organized as part of New Delhi’s broader plan to help its citizens leave Iran during growing regional instability.

“Thank the Government and the people of Armenia for facilitating the safe evacuation of over 550 Indian nationals from Iran so far,” Jaishankar, currently on a visit to Brussels, said.

“Appreciate their support in these challenging times,” he said on social media.

According to Indian officials, the government has been encouraging its citizens currently in Iran to travel across the land border into Armenia, where arrangements are being made for their onward journey back to India. Armenia has become an important transit route for the evacuation effort because it shares a land border with Iran and provides a safer path for those leaving the country.

The evacuations come as concerns grow over the security situation in the wider West Asia region. Governments around the world have been reviewing the safety of their nationals and exploring ways to assist citizens who may wish to leave the area.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has been coordinating the evacuation operation and providing guidance to Indian nationals inside Iran. Officials have advised those seeking to return home to cross into neighboring countries such as Armenia or Azerbaijan, where further travel arrangements can be organized.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said last week that around 9,000 Indian citizens are currently in Iran. Authorities are working to assist those who want to leave the country and return to India.

“These 9,000 Indian nationals comprise students; they also comprise seafarers, some business people, some professionals, and some pilgrims,” he had said.

Indian officials say the evacuation operation remains ongoing as they continue to monitor the situation in the region. The use of Armenia as a transit point has allowed hundreds of people to safely leave Iran and begin their journey back to India.