Thu Jan 15 16:55:00 UTC 2026: ## India Prepares to Evacuate Citizens from Iran Amidst Widespread Protests

The Story:
The Indian government is making preparations to evacuate its citizens from Iran following escalating protests across the country. According to sources within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian Embassy in Tehran has begun contacting Indian nationals, including students, pilgrims, and business professionals, to assess the logistical requirements for a potential airlift operation. This decision follows a phone call between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi, discussing the increasingly volatile situation.

Coordination efforts are hampered by the Iranian government’s ongoing internet blackout, complicating communication between the embassy and Indian citizens. While some students are managing to access the internet through neighboring countries like Azerbaijan and Turkey, officials caution that evacuation efforts will be challenging due to the strain on Iranian security services already dealing with domestic unrest.

Key Points:

  • India is planning to evacuate its citizens from Iran due to ongoing protests.
  • The decision follows a phone call between the Indian and Iranian Foreign Ministers on January 14, 2026.
  • Indian citizens are concentrated in urban centers like Qom, Tehran, and Esfahan.
  • Internet blackouts in Iran are hindering communication and coordination.
  • Evacuation efforts require the support of Iranian security services, which are currently overwhelmed.
  • Iran temporarily closed its airspace on January 14, 2026, but reopened it on January 15, 2026.

Critical Analysis:

The decision to evacuate Indian citizens is likely influenced by several factors beyond immediate safety concerns. Given India’s strategic interest in the Chabahar Port project (as indicated by the related news snippets), India needs to maintain a delicate balance. Evacuating citizens signals concern about the stability of the Iranian regime without completely cutting ties. India’s ongoing dialogue with the U.S. regarding its involvement in Chabahar suggests an attempt to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape and protect its investment while ensuring the safety of its citizens.

Key Takeaways:

  • India is prioritizing the safety of its citizens in Iran amid growing unrest.
  • The situation in Iran is unstable, prompting international concern.
  • India is attempting to balance its economic interests in Iran with the need to protect its citizens.
  • Maintaining communication and logistical coordination is proving difficult due to Iranian government actions.
  • The situation highlights the challenges of operating in politically volatile environments.

Impact Analysis:

The evacuation could potentially strain India-Iran relations, particularly if the protests intensify and lead to regime change. However, India’s careful approach, including diplomatic engagement and ongoing dialogue with the U.S., suggests an attempt to mitigate long-term damage. The future of the Chabahar Port project, a vital strategic asset for India, will likely depend on the outcome of the Iranian protests and the subsequent stability (or instability) of the region. The success, or failure, of this evacuation will set a precedent for future Indian responses to similar crises abroad.

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