Iran has responded to India’s request for the safe evacuation of Indian students stuck in Iranian cities as Israel continued its bombing of targets in the Islamic Republic. Tehran said that though the airspace is closed over Iran, all land borders are open for the safe evacuation of civilians.
In its response, the Foreign Minister of Iran gave the green light to India’s diplomatic mission.
“Given the current condition and the closure of the country’s airports, as well as the request of many political missions to transfer their diplomats and nationals abroad, we inform that all land borders are open for crossing,” it said.
Tehran asked India to give the names, passport numbers, and vehicle specifications of the people crossing the borders to its General Protocol Department. It also asked for the time of travel and the desired border through which the person will exit the country in order to make necessary arrangements for the travel of diplomats and other citizens.
Thousands of Indians are stranded in various Iranian cities as Israel and Iran continue to trade missiles, with neither side showing any sign of backing down.
Some Indian students in Iran were being relocated to “safer places” within the country, the government said in a statement early Monday, stressing that “other feasible options” were also being examined.
The Embassy of India in Tehran on Sunday asked those stuck in Iranian cities not to panic and exercise due caution. They were asked to maintain contact with the Embassy of India in Tehran through its social media accounts in view of the current situation in the country.
In an advisory, the Indian Embassy in Tehran asked all Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin to remain vigilant, avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the embassy’s social media accounts and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities.
The embassy provided a Google form on its X account and asked the Indian citizens to fill it out to provide their details. “Please remember, it is important not to panic, exercise due caution and maintain contact with the Embassy of India in Tehran,” it said.
It also provided a Telegram Link and asked the Indian citizens to join it to receive updates on the situation from the mission. “Kindly note that this Telegram Link is ONLY for those Indian Nationals who are currently in Iran,” the embassy posted on X.
Israel attacked Iran early Friday, targeting its nuclear, missile and military infrastructure. Iran later launched retaliatory strikes on Israel. Israel threatened even greater force after some Iranian missiles struck buildings in the heart of the country.