A barrage of messages and queries pour in from stranded citizens — students, professionals, and tourists — and their family members back in India in a Telegram group called ‘Indians in Iran’. The group was created by the Indian Embassy in Tehran to coordinate assistance, streamline communication, and organise safe passage to India.
“We need everyone in Tehran to leave today. Please spread the word,” the official account of the Indian embassy posted on the group at 10.51 am IST on June 16.
A day later, on June 17, the
The new advisory comes amid the rising death toll in Tehran. Iran’s Foreign Minister Esmaeil Baqaei reported that at least 73 women and children were killed in the capital in the last three Israeli attacks.
Many were being advised to relocate to Qom, a city in the central district of Qom County, 145 km or about a 1.5-hour drive from Tehran.
Indians in Qom, Ramsar, or Yazd have been advised to stay put. Those in Tabriz were advised to call the authorities in order to move to safer locations, along with students in West Azerbaijan, Iran.
On Monday morning, officials asked all Indian students, including those from Kashmir, to report at gate number 2 of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences by 9:30 am to board buses that will depart for Qom city.
“No Indian student should stay back in the boys’ or girls’ dormitories or in private apartments. Please ensure this message is widely circulated and followed without exception,” read an announcement posted on the group.
However, an Iranian, wishing to keep their identity private, mentioned facing additional security checks while helping their Indian friend on a tourist visa in Iran. They reported being stopped by security officials who demanded “a valid letter” to allow them through.
In response, an official said, “Is that a problem? We haven’t sought permission for anyone to enter the university premises.”
“Security was responsible for taking care of students only. That’s why they didn’t let tourists in for students’ safety, we’re waiting out, embassy officers are here, soon a bus will be here,” the source told CNBC-TV18, adding that the security guards later apologised for not letting them in earlier.
By 2.40 pm, more than five buses had left for Qom city.
More calls for help
Even as queries were addressed one at a time, confusion, worry, and panic seemed to take over the stranded individuals despite requests not to flood the group and cautions against posting passport numbers and personal information in public or any group.
“How are they evacuating Indians? Please inform. I have a small infant,” wrote a person on the group.
“We are in Karaj now. Is it part of Tehran? We came on a trader’s visa, now, how do we proceed?” wrote another.
Officials have asked all Indians to remain available online and on call, especially those with an “Indian number”. People with no access to WhatsApp and Telegram were advised to use Bale, a local messaging app.
In Mumbai, a woman has been unable to reach her husband, who is stranded in Tehran with no stable internet connectivity.
“I’m really worried and in tension to get my husband home by any way. I’m trying everywhere to find out how he can come. If it’s possible to help me, then please help me,” she told CNBC-TV18.
Safe passage home via Armenia
Officials in the group said Armenia has agreed to facilitate evacuation efforts to India. “Anyone close to Armenian border areas is advised to contact embassy officials.”
However, it warned Indians not to travel to border areas without an official nod, as Azerbaijan and the UAE have not facilitated resident missions yet.
The embassy, in its previous advisory, cautioned all Indian nationals travelling to Iran to exercise caution and keep in touch with the embassy and Indian consulates in Tehran.
In Israel, the embassy of India in Tel Aviv said they are in touch with the Indian community in the country, including caregivers, workers, students, businessmen and tourist groups.
On June 17, a 24/7 control room was established in the Ministry of External Affairs in view of the ongoing developments in Iran and Israel. In addition, the Embassy of India in Tehran, Iran, has set up a 24/7 emergency helpline.
