The Indian Embassy in Tehran has relocated most Indian students from the Iranian capital to safer locations following escalating security concerns linked to the ongoing Iran crisis. In an advisory issued on March 3, the mission said the decision was taken due to a heightened risk perception in Tehran. The embassy arranged transport, food and accommodation for the students moved out of the city. A small number of students continue to remain in Tehran after declining the relocation offer.
For Indian nationals still in Iran, the embassy has reiterated its advisory to stay indoors as far as possible, avoid windows and keep away from areas where protests or demonstrations may take place. Citizens have been urged to exercise caution, remain calm and maintain regular contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran while closely monitoring official updates. With an estimated 9,000 Indians, including many students, currently in Iran, concerns among families back home have grown.
The Centre said it is closely monitoring developments across West Asia and coordinating with Indian missions in the Gulf to ensure the safety of stranded Indians. The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reviewed the evolving situation and directed all concerned departments to be prepared with an evacuation plan if required. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the government stands ready to facilitate the safe return of Indians from the region.
Gulf flights have been severely impacted by airspace closure and regional tensions. The civil aviation ministry said IndiGo plans to operate 10 special relief flights from Jeddah to Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad, subject to approvals. Air India has extended the suspension of several Middle East services, while Air India Express will resume limited operations to and from Muscat. Etihad and other international carriers are operating restricted services as conditions permit.
Several state governments, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, have activated helplines to assist residents affected by flight disruptions. Families in Uttar Pradesh and other states have reported intermittent contact with relatives in Iran, underscoring anxiety within the NRI community. Authorities have stressed that flight schedules remain fragile and subject to sudden change, even as India continues to scale up contingency measures to safeguard its citizens abroad.
