India Prepares To Evacuate Citizens From Iran, First Flight To Land In Delhi Tomorrow

New Delhi: Amid the deteriorating situation in Iran, the Indian government is preparing to bring back Indian citizens who wish to return from the troubled west Asian nation. 

What did the Jammu and Kashmir Student Association say?

The Jammu and Kashmir Student Association has said that the embassy there has registered all students, collected their personal details and passports, and the first batch arriving in India has been asked to be ready. Approximately 2,000 medical students in Iran are from Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Tehran had issued an advisory, urging all Indians present there to leave the country. These included students, businessmen, and tourists, who were advised to leave Iran using available modes of transport, including commercial flights. The embassy also issued a helpline number.

What stand has the MEA taken?

In India, the Ministry of External Affairs advised people to avoid non-essential travel to Iran. Previously, student unions like JKSA had appealed to PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to formulate an evacuation plan for the safe return of students and other Indians present there. They stated that the government had advised students to leave Iran as soon as possible, but no evacuation plan had been developed. Given the current situation there, asking people to return on their own is neither safe nor practical due to transportation and logistical issues. It should be noted that approximately 10,000 Indians are present in India.

Why is it difficult for India to strike a balance?

The situation in Iran is fragile, and citizens of many countries are returning to their countries. India is also monitoring the situation and preparations are underway to bring back Indian citizens. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was scheduled to visit India, but due to the worsening situation, this visit is no longer taking place. Meanwhile, he discussed the situation in Iran with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday night.

What are the risks for India?

The current instability in Iran poses numerous risks for India. Experts believe that while India may not face direct economic consequences, it is bound to have long-term impacts. Iran itself controls the Strait of Hormuz, and its pro-Houthi allies control the Red Sea. If there is an external attack from the US or Israel, and the situation spirals out of control, trade could be affected. Such instability could impact maritime traffic, increase shipping insurance costs, and lead to higher oil prices.

Iran's stability is of great importance to India due to energy security, the Indian diaspora, and the Chabahar port. If the Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor are affected, it could pose a new threat to India's connectivity with Central Asia.
International affairs expert Anil Trigunayat says that instability in Iran is not good for us. In such circumstances, we should prioritize the importance of stability in our West Asia policy. These regions are important to us. Whether it's the UAE or Saudi Arabia, these countries in West Asia hold a special place in our foreign policy. In this context, India is pursuing a policy of strategic autonomy. Maintaining balance in foreign policy remains a constant challenge for India due to strained relations with the United States, but India is treading a steady path.