India Issues Iran Travel Advisory Amid Escalating Tensions
Israel's military said Monday it had struck several targets at a petrochemical complex in Mahshahr in southwestern Iran
New Delhi: India has advised its nationals to leave Iran amid renewed hostilities in the region involving Israel. The Indian Embassy in Tehran reiterated that citizens should depart using available means of transport and advised against travel to Iran “in view of the latest developments in the region”.
The Union shipping ministry said 24 Indian seafarers were safe after a vessel they were on caught fire in the West Asian region. According to reports, the merchant vessel MT Marivex, carrying the crew, was sinking near Masirah Island in Oman after it was allegedly targeted in a US Navy strike.
The ministry said, “Based on the preliminary information received, all Indian seafarers are presently safe. We are coordinating with the ministry of external affairs, our Indian missions abroad, the Indian Navy and ministry of defence to ensure their safety.”
Earlier, several Indian nationals, including students, had exited Iran through land borders into Armenia and Azerbaijan with assistance from the embassy.
New Delhi has reiterated its position that the situation in West Asia should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
On Monday, Israel launched airstrikes targeting central and western Iran in response to missile fire from Tehran.
On April 7, India issued the advisory asking its nationals in Iran to stay wherever they are for the next 48 hours.
The advisory was issued after US President Donald Trump had warned that a "whole civilisation will die tonight" if Iran does not meet his 8 pm Eastern Time deadline to end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to official data, around 9,000 Indians, including students, were in Iran when the conflict began following strikes on Iranian targets by Israel and the US on February 28. Nearly 1,800 Indians have returned to India so far.
