Indians in Tehran Urged to Move to Safe Zones; MEA Activates 24/7 Control Room

Photo: AP

Amid escalating military exchanges between Israel and Iran, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued an urgent advisory urging all Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to relocate to safer areas outside Tehran as soon as possible. Those with the means to leave the city safely are strongly encouraged to do so without delay.

The embassy has instructed individuals who have not yet contacted diplomatic staff to immediately share their present location and contact details. Multiple emergency contact numbers have been released on the embassy’s official X (formerly Twitter) page. These include local Iranian mobile numbers and WhatsApp lines designed for emergency outreach.

Responding to the deteriorating security landscape, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched a 24×7 control room in New Delhi. This facility is fully staffed to monitor developments in both Iran and Israel and to provide timely assistance. It also offers a toll-free helpline plus WhatsApp contact points to streamline coordination with nationals on the ground.

In a related development, reports confirm that Indian students—especially from Tehran and nearby cities—have been moved by authorities to safer zones. Some have even been assisted in reaching Iran’s border with Armenia, a preliminary step ahead of evacuation efforts. 

Sources indicate that more than 1,500 Indians, many from regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, may be affected. Additional measures under review include possible air evacuations from neighboring countries.

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These diplomatic moves follow a series of intense airstrikes and missile launches between Israel and Iran that began on June 13. Both sides have conducted multiple rounds of deliberate strikes targeting military infrastructure and deep underground sites. Civilian casualties have reportedly exceeded 224 in Iran and 24 in Israel, escalating fears of a broader conflict. 

The embassy urges nationals to remain vigilant, avoid congregating in large groups, and monitor official embassy channels for real-time updates. It also stresses that if individuals are able to leave Tehran using their own transportation and without endangering themselves, they should do so immediately. 

The MEA’s control room and helpline are designed to provide round-the-clock assistance, coordinate relocations, and aid in crisis management for all affected Indian citizens. Travelers considering independent evacuation are advised to share their departure plans to ensure coordinated support.