Brussels, March 16 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar expressed his gratitude towards the Armenian government and its citizens for their crucial role in the safe evacuation of more than 550 Indian nationals from Iran.

"I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Government and people of Armenia for their assistance in ensuring the safe evacuation of over 550 Indian nationals from Iran to date. Their support during these trying times is greatly appreciated," EAM Jaishankar tweeted on X.

This announcement from EAM Jaishankar comes in the wake of escalating tensions in the West Asia region, which surged following US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, resulting in the deaths of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and various high-ranking military officials. In retaliation, Iran initiated drone and missile strikes against US and Israeli targets, along with regional capitals and allied forces in the area.

On Sunday, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) reported that a cohort of 70 Indian students evacuated from Iran through Armenia had successfully arrived in Delhi.

Nasir Khuehami, the national convenor of JKSA, remarked: "The first group of over 70 Indian students—predominantly from Jammu and Kashmir, alongside several pilgrims—who were stuck in Iran due to the ongoing conflict in the region, have safely reached Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, via a commercial flight this morning as part of the initial evacuation phase.

"The students made their return journey through Armenia and Dubai after navigating a long and arduous land and air route, coordinated with the relevant authorities."

On March 12, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that India is actively engaged in providing assistance to Indian nationals in Iran and is addressing concerns related to shipping safety and the nation's energy security amid the ongoing regional conflict.

Emphasizing the aid being offered to Indian nationals in Iran, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned that numerous citizens have returned home, while efforts continue for those intending to leave. The ministry urged Indian nationals wishing to depart Iran to follow the advisory recently issued by the Indian Embassy in Tehran.

“Currently, there are around 9,000 Indian nationals in Iran, including students, seafarers, businesspeople, professionals, and pilgrims. Following prior advisories, many Indian nationals, particularly students, have returned home. We have recently relocated several Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims based in Tehran, to safer locations within the country,” Jaiswal noted during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi.

“We are also providing support to Indian nationals aiming to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia, facilitating their return home via commercial flights. We are assisting them with obtaining visas and navigating border crossings. Many Indian nationals have approached us, and we have successfully helped them cross into Azerbaijan and Armenia to take flights back home," he added.

Jaiswal encouraged Indian nationals looking to exit Iran through land borders to follow the advisory that the Indian Embassy in Tehran issued on March 9.

"Our mission in Tehran maintains continuous communication with our community members and is dedicated to offering all possible assistance to them," he concluded.