Indians Return Safely from Iran Amid Protests, Thank Government for Evacuation Efforts

New Delhi: Indians who returned home from Iran on Friday evening described the situation in the country as “dangerous” and expressed gratitude to the Government of India for facilitating their safe return amid escalating unrest.

Widespread protests, internet shutdowns and a forceful crackdown by Iranian authorities marked the weeks leading up to their departure. Speaking after their arrival in Delhi, several returnees recalled the fear and uncertainty they experienced before evacuation arrangements were put in place.

“The conditions there are very bad. The Government of India cooperated fully, and the Indian Embassy kept us informed and advised us to leave Iran as early as possible. Modi ji hai toh har cheez mumkin hai,” one Indian national told news agency ANI.

The return of Indian nationals follows an advisory issued by New Delhi earlier this month urging citizens in Iran—including students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists—to leave the country in view of the volatile security situation. The government had assured that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure their safety.

Several returnees said the prolonged internet shutdown imposed after the protests severely affected daily life and cut off communication with families in India. “When we went outside, protesters would come in front of vehicles and create disturbances. The internet was shut down, so we could not inform our families, which caused a lot of anxiety. At times, we couldn’t even contact the embassy,” one national said.

A resident of Jammu and Kashmir, who was among those evacuated, praised the government’s efforts. “The protests were dangerous. The Indian government made a strong effort and brought students back safely,” he said.

Protests against the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led regime began last month and have reportedly claimed more than 3,000 lives nationwide. While the internet shutdown remains largely in place, a “very slight rise” in connectivity has been observed recently, according to Reuters.

Some returnees, however, said that the situation in parts of Iran appeared relatively calm at the time of their departure. “I am pursuing MBBS at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The situation there is normal, though the internet restrictions continue,” one student said.

Family members awaiting the arrival of their loved ones at Delhi airport also expressed relief and appreciation. A family waiting for a relative who had travelled to Iran on pilgrimage said they had complete faith in the Indian government’s ability to ensure citizens’ safety abroad.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has reiterated its advisory, urging all Indian nationals still in Iran to leave the country at the earliest in light of the prevailing security concerns.