Iran Opens Land Borders for Evacuation of Indian Nationals Amid Ongoing Conflict with Israel

GG News Bureau
Tehran, 16th June: As the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, Iran on Monday assured India that it will facilitate the safe evacuation of Indian nationals, including over 1,500 students, stranded in Iranian cities. While the country’s airspace remains closed due to ongoing missile exchanges, Tehran has confirmed that all land borders are open for safe passage.

In an official communication, Iran’s Foreign Ministry responded positively to India’s request to evacuate diplomats and civilians. The statement emphasized that though airports are non-operational, land routes remain accessible for foreign nationals seeking to exit the country.

“Given the current condition and the closure of the country’s airports, as well as the request of many political missions to transfer their diplomats and nationals abroad, we inform that all land borders are open for crossing,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry said in its statement.

Tehran has requested India to provide names, passport details, vehicle specifications, preferred border checkpoints, and estimated travel times to coordinate the safe movement through its General Protocol Department.

India Begins Relocation of Students, Examines Evacuation Options

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that some Indian students have already been relocated to safer areas within Iran with assistance from the Indian Embassy in Tehran. The Embassy continues to monitor the situation closely and is exploring “other feasible options” for a potential large-scale evacuation if needed.

“The Indian Embassy in Tehran is continuously monitoring the security situation and engaging Indian students in Iran to ensure their safety. In some cases, students are being relocated with the Embassy’s facilitation,” the MEA said in an official statement.

The Embassy issued an advisory urging Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to remain calm and avoid unnecessary movement. They were advised to follow local safety protocols and remain in contact with the mission.

A Google form was shared via the Embassy’s official X (formerly Twitter) account for stranded Indians to register their details. The Embassy also launched a dedicated Telegram channel to provide real-time updates to those currently inside Iran.

Conflict Continues Unabated

The evacuation coordination comes as Israel’s Operation Rising Lion and Iran’s retaliatory strikes escalate tensions in the region. Israel initiated the campaign on Friday with surprise airstrikes targeting top Iranian military officials and nuclear facilities. Iran responded with a wave of air attacks, with both countries launching hundreds of missiles over the past four days.

While Israel has signaled an intent to intensify its offensive, Iran has vowed a fierce retaliation, declaring it would “open the gates of hell.”

As the crisis deepens, diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of foreign nationals, including thousands of Indians currently in Iran.