Indians flee Iran unrest, reach Delhi, thank government support
New Delhi – Anxiety filled the arrival hall at Indira Gandhi International Airport late Friday. Then relief followed. Soon after, gratitude surfaced. Several Indian nationals returned from Iran as unrest intensified across major cities.
Earlier, New Delhi urged Indians to leave Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs issued fresh advisories. Simultaneously, the Indian Embassy in Tehran alerted students, pilgrims, businesspeople and tourists. Officials asked them to use commercial routes and exit quickly. The government also confirmed continuous monitoring of the situation.
Meanwhile, returnees described worsening ground realities. Many spoke of fear and uncertainty. One traveller said protests blocked roads and disrupted movement. He added that embassy updates helped them plan their exit. He also thanked the Indian government for timely coordination.
Similarly, another Indian national recalled severe communication breakdowns. He stayed in Iran for a month. However, trouble escalated in the last two weeks. Protesters surrounded vehicles and created chaos. Internet services stopped. As a result, he could not contact family or authorities. He said the blackout increased panic among Indian residents.
In addition, a student from Jammu and Kashmir shared his experience. He called the protests dangerous and unpredictable. He credited the Indian government for assisting stranded students. He said authorities acted swiftly to ensure their return.
Outside the terminal, emotional scenes unfolded. Families waited for hours, some for days. Many had received no messages from relatives due to internet shutdowns. Yet hope remained strong.
One man awaited his wife’s aunt, who had travelled for pilgrimage. He expressed confidence in India’s diplomatic outreach. He said the government maintained constant support for citizens abroad. He thanked officials for ensuring her safe return.
Likewise, another family member waited for his sister-in-law. He described Iran’s condition as war-like. With no internet access, he feared the worst. He said relief replaced worry once confirmation of her departure arrived.
Another relative said his mother and aunt remained unreachable for three days. The family grew anxious as protests spread. However, they finally boarded a return flight and reached India safely.
At the diplomatic level, the Indian Embassy cited an evolving security situation. It urged Indians to leave immediately using available transport. Alongside, the MEA strongly discouraged fresh travel to Iran. Authorities repeated earlier warnings from January 5. Officials advised Indians already there to stay indoors and avoid protest zones.
The unrest began on December 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. Soon after, demonstrations spread nationwide. A collapsing rial triggered economic panic. Additionally, inflation, unemployment, water shortages and power cuts deepened public anger. These pressures pushed citizens onto the streets.
Now, more Indians plan to leave Iran. Government agencies continue coordination with the Tehran embassy. Officials also track evacuation requests closely. As tensions persist, India focuses on citizen safety first.
For returning families, the moment brought tears and relief. For the government, the operation underlined swift diplomatic response amid crisis.
