New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) The Indian government is diligently working to provide aid to its citizens stranded in Iran while simultaneously addressing concerns related to shipping safety and the nation’s energy security amidst the ongoing turmoil in West Asia, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday.

The MEA highlighted its efforts in assisting Indian nationals in Iran, noting that many individuals have successfully returned home, while support remains available for those wishing to depart. The ministry has advised Indian citizens intending to leave Iran to comply with the advisory issued recently by the Indian Embassy in Tehran.

“Approximately 9,000 Indian nationals reside in Iran, including students, seafarers, business professionals, and pilgrims. Following previous advisories, numerous Indian citizens, particularly students, have already made their way back home. We have also relocated several individuals, including students and pilgrims, from Tehran to safer locations within the country,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a media briefing in New Delhi.

“In addition, we are supporting Indian nationals who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia, facilitating their return through commercial flights. We assist them with visa requirements and border crossings, and have successfully helped several individuals cross into Azerbaijan and Armenia for their return flights,” he added.

Jaiswal also urged Indian nationals planning to exit Iran via land borders to follow the advisory from the Indian Embassy in Tehran issued on March 9.

“Our mission in Tehran maintains regular communication with our community members and is providing all possible assistance,” he emphasized.

When questioned about the movement of vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the MEA spokesperson stated, “The External Affairs Minister and the Iranian Foreign Minister have engaged in discussions recently, focusing on shipping safety and India’s energy security. However, it would be premature to elaborate further at this time.”

On Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had a comprehensive telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, concentrating on the latest developments concerning the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar remarked, “Had a detailed discussion this evening with Foreign Minister Araghchi regarding the current developments in the ongoing conflict. We agreed to stay in close contact.”

Jaishankar and Araghchi also spoke on March 5, addressing the evolving security landscape in West Asia.

After their discussion, EAM Jaishankar posted on X, “Had a telephonic conversation with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi this afternoon.”

Additionally, EAM Jaishankar spoke with Araghchi on February 28, expressing India’s concerns regarding the recent developments in Iran and the surrounding region.

“Had a telephonic conversation with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi this evening. Shared India’s deep concern regarding the recent developments in Iran and the region,” EAM Jaishankar shared on X.

This ongoing dialogue underscores India’s proactive diplomatic efforts in light of the escalating crisis involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.