• Source:JND
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In the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran has reacted positively to India's official appeal for the safe evacuation of Iranian nationals, assuring that all land borders are still open for travel despite Iran's closure of its airspace following ongoing hostilities. In a release on Monday, Iran's Foreign Ministry stated that it would arrange for the safe passage of Indian citizens, including diplomats and students, through its land crossings. “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,” the ministry stated. Iranian authorities have also asked India for specific information, such as names, passport numbers, vehicle numbers, intended border crossing points, and time of travel, to make the necessary logistical arrangements for safe evacuation.

MEA Initiates Evacuation Efforts, Shifts Indians to Safer Zones

Over 10000 Indians, including 1,500 students, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir, are presently stranded in Iranian cities such as Tehran, Mashhad, Qom, and Zahedan. Many have been calling for a temporary truce to facilitate evacuation through airports, but Tehran has held firm to the position that land routes are currently the only safe means. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in tandem with the Indian Embassy in Tehran, has already initiated moving Indian students to safer regions in Iran. In a press release on Monday, the MEA stated that it is following the fast-changing security situation closely and remains "in constant touch" with the Indian student community to provide psychological and logistical assistance to Indian citizens. "In some instances, students are being shifted to safer locations within Iran, facilitated by the Embassy. Other viable possibilities are also being considered. Further instructions will follow," the MEA said

Indian Embassy Issues Advisory: Remain Calm, Stay Connected

The Indian Embassy in Tehran issued several advisories to Indian nationals to remain alert, exercise restraint in unnecessary movement, and keep in touch with embassy officials regularly. The Embassy requested individuals to:

• Keep track of its social media pages for authentic updates.
• Use emergency contact numbers for assistance.
• Join the official Telegram group: https://t.me/indiansiniran

Emergency contact numbers:

• +98 9128109115
• +98 9128109109

WhatsApp only:

• +98 901044557
• +98 9015993320
• +91 8086871709

ALSO READ: Indian Students In Iran Fear For Lives, MEA Begins Relocation Efforts: 'We’re Hiding In Basements' 

Regional contacts:

• Bandar Abbas: +98 9177699036
• Zahedan: +98 9396356649

The embassy has also posted a Google form link on its X (formerly Twitter) handle to gather requisite information from people who need help. The MEA again emphasised that India is committed wholeheartedly to the safety and welfare of its citizens in Iran. "We are keeping a watch on the situation on an hourly basis.". Our mission in Tehran is functional and cooperating closely with students and other community members to provide security for them," an MEA official explained. Indian officials are also coordinating with the neighboring nations to identify land-based evacuation routes that can enable the safe return of the nationals amidst the airspace closure.

ALSO READ: Where Is Ayatollah Khamenei? Questions Swirl Around As Israel-Iran War Escalates | Report

The crisis escalated four days ago when Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion”, targeting Iran's senior military leaders and nuclear facilities. Iran reacted by unleashing a large wave of airstrikes, causing widespread panic throughout the region. Hundreds of missiles have been exchanged over the last four days, with indications from both sides that there would be more escalation. Iran's leadership promised to "open the gates of hell," while Israel has offered a long campaign.

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