MEA Reports 882 Indian Nationals Returning from Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan
Synopsis
As tensions rise in Iran, the Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that 882 Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims, are returning home through Armenia and Azerbaijan, with many already back in India.
Key Takeaways
882 Indian nationals are returning from Iran.
Many have crossed into Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The Ministry of External Affairs is providing support for their safe passage.
There are still approximately 9,000 Indians remaining in Iran.
Advisories from the Indian Embassy should be followed.
New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) A total of 882 Indian citizens, including students, professionals, and pilgrims, stranded in Iran, are currently returning home via Azerbaijan and Armenia, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday.
“Many individuals do not register with the Embassy, leading us to estimate that around 9,000 individuals are present. A considerable number of students had returned prior to the escalation of hostilities. Presently, around 882 Indian nationals, including students and professionals, are making their way back through the routes of Azerbaijan and Armenia. Some have already arrived back home,” stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly media briefing.
“Out of the 284 pilgrims who traveled, 280 have returned through Armenia. There are three to four remaining, who are expected to return shortly,” he added.
Jaiswal mentioned that 772 individuals successfully crossed into Armenia from Iran, while the activity on the Azerbaijan route is slower, with some of the 110 Indian citizens still awaiting their return.
“On the Armenia route, 772 individuals have crossed the land border and are currently heading back home. Some have already arrived, while more are anticipated in the coming days. On the Azerbaijan route, the pace has been slower, with approximately 110 Indian citizens still there, some of whom have returned,” he remarked.
Last week, Jaiswal emphasized the ongoing support for Indian nationals in Iran, confirming that many have returned while assistance continues for those wanting to leave.
The ministry has advised Indian nationals wishing to exit Iran to follow the guidelines issued by the Indian Embassy in Tehran.
“There are around 9,000 Indian nationals currently in Iran, comprising students, seafarers, professionals, and pilgrims. Several have returned home following the advisories. Recently, we relocated many Indian nationals from Tehran to safer areas within the country,” Jaiswal noted last week.
“We are assisting those who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia to catch commercial flights back home, providing support with visas and border crossings. Numerous Indian nationals have reached out for help, and we are facilitating their crossing into Azerbaijan and Armenia, from where they can board flights back home,” he further added.
Point of View
The challenges of unregistered citizens remain a concern. Efforts to assist those in need show a commitment to citizen welfare.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indian nationals are returning from Iran?
Currently, 882 Indian nationals, including students and professionals, are making their way back home from Iran.
What routes are Indian citizens using to return?
Indian citizens are returning through Armenia and Azerbaijan.
What support is the Indian government providing?
The Indian government is assisting with visas and border crossings for nationals wishing to return.
Are there still Indians remaining in Iran?
Yes, there are approximately 9,000 Indian nationals still in Iran, though many have returned.
What should Indian nationals do if they want to leave Iran?
They should adhere to the advisories issued by the Indian Embassy in Tehran.
