Iran News : Several Indians Return From Protest-Hit Iran on Commercial Flights

Several Indians, including students, returned to India on commercial flights from Iran amid widespread protests and a severe crackdown by authorities that has reportedly claimed over 2,500 lives.

The arrivals landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport late Friday night. Officials did not immediately confirm the exact number of Indian nationals who returned on these flights.

Speaking to reporters, Ali Naqui, who was part of a group of around 12–13 travellers, said they did not face any major difficulties during their stay. “We didn’t face any problem,” he said, adding that the group had earlier travelled from Iraq to Iran and stayed there for eight days before returning to India.

A medical student studying in Shiraz said that internet shutdowns made it difficult to follow developments across the country. “The internet was not working, so we didn’t exactly know what was happening elsewhere. The situation in our city was fine,” she said, adding that they returned on their own through a commercial flight and not through any government-arranged evacuation.

Relatives gathered at the Delhi airport to receive passengers arriving from Iran, many expressing anxiety due to the communication blackout. However, they said the Indian Embassy in Tehran had been reassuring Indian nationals through available channels.

Abbas Qazmi, whose mother and aunt returned from Iran, said the family was initially worried. “When the internet was shut, we were quite anxious. But once communication resumed, we realised that things were under control,” he said. He added that they had registered with the embassy after advisories were issued and were awaiting further instructions.

Earlier, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that approximately 9,000 Indian nationals are currently living in Iran, most of them students. Others include sailors, pilgrims and businesspersons.

“In view of recent developments, we have issued two to three advisories,” Jaiswal said. “Indian citizens have been advised not to travel to Iran, and those currently there have been asked to leave using whatever means available, including commercial flights, which are still operating.”

He added that New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to ensuring the safety and interests of Indian nationals if the need arises.

Iran has been witnessing nationwide protests over the past several weeks, initially triggered by inflation and sharp currency devaluation after the rial fell to record lows. The agitation, which began in Tehran late last month, has since spread to all 31 provinces, evolving from economic grievances into broader demands for political change.

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