Many Indians are stranded in Iran. The situation has now become so dire that many Indians are unable to leave the country immediately, even if they wish. Amid the tensions, Iran closed its airspace on the night of January 14-15.
The situation in Iran is rapidly deteriorating. The death toll is steadily rising amid ongoing protests against the government. The situation in Iran has become so dire that the Indian government has issued a final warning to its citizens there, advising them to leave Iran as soon as possible. It is reported that approximately 10,000 Indians are stranded in Iran, a large number of whom are students.
The situation has now become such that many Indians are unable to leave the country immediately, even if they wish. Amid the tensions, Iran closed its airspace on the night of January 14-15, resulting in the cancellation or diversion of many international flights. However, the airspace was reopened later that morning. Iran has previously closed its airspace during attacks by Israel and during the 12-day war in June. The situation remains unstable, raising questions about how Indians stranded in Iran will be able to leave.
Airlines issued an advisory
In light of the situation in Iran, Indian airlines have issued advisories. Air India, IndiGo, and other airlines have stated that due to the evolving situation in Iran, the closure of its airspace, and passenger safety concerns, flights that were flying over the area are now using alternative routes. This could cause delays. Flights that cannot be rerouted have been cancelled. Furthermore, the Indian government issued an advisory outlining guidelines for all Indian citizens. The Ministry of External Affairs also urged all citizens to leave Iran as soon as possible.
Why are Indians unable to leave Iran?
The biggest challenge facing Indians stranded in Iran is the situation as well as the system. Leaving the country, especially for Indian students studying there, is difficult. Under Iranian regulations, foreign students are required to submit their passports to university authorities. In the current situation, many universities are delaying the return of passports due to security concerns. Furthermore, leaving Iran requires not only a passport but also an exit visa. Many students do not yet have these visas. Exams have been postponed, and university authorities say they cannot issue exit visas before the exam process is complete. This has further complicated the situation for Indians stranded in Iran.
How will the Indians trapped there get out now?
Due to the worsening situation in Iran, many questions are now arising in people's minds: how will stranded Indians be able to leave if their airspace is closed again? If Iran's airspace remains closed, flights will not be able to reach Iran. However, land and sea routes are open, so Indians living there can reach the nearest country's border via land, from where they can then catch onward flights. Furthermore, if the Indian government initiates rescue operations, Indian citizens can be evacuated from Iran if necessary.
