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Stating that there are about 9,000 Indians in Iran, India said Friday that commercial flights continue to operate out of Iran and Indian nationals who wish to return can avail that option.
Simultaneously, the government is exploring evacuation options once commercial flights are not available or it becomes difficult for Indians to travel within the country to board those flights.
The Ministry of External Affairs also said India has a “conditional sanctions waiver” until April 26 this year for the Chabahar port project in Iran from the US administration and is “engaged with the US side” to work out an arrangement.
Responding to questions on bringing back Indian nationals from Iran which has been roiled by street protests and its regime threatened by the US, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “There are 9,000 Indians in Iran, mostly students, business, some professionals, pilgrims and seafarers.”
People attend a rally in support of Iran’s anti-government protests, in Yalova, Turkey, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. . (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)
Signalling a more cautious approach while underlining India’s “long-standing relations with Iran”, he said, “We continue to closely watch the unfolding situation there and we are committed to taking all necessary steps for the welfare of our people.” He said the Indian embassy in Tehran is “in touch” with members of the Indian community and is looking after them.
On the Chabahar port development project by India – the project has hit turbulence because of the sanctions and reports that Delhi may pull out – Jaiswal said, “As you are aware, on 28 October 2025, the US Department of Treasury had issued a letter outlining the guidance on the conditional sanctions waiver valid until 26 April 2026. We remain engaged with the US side in working out this arrangement.”
Chabahar is a deep-water port located in the Sistan-Baluchistan province of Iran. Close to the Chinese-developed Gwadar port in Pakistan, Chabahar can provide easy and secure access for large cargo ships. India is developing the port to access Afghanistan and Central Asia.
