India has urged all its citizens currently in Iran to leave the country at the earliest, citing a rapidly evolving and unstable security situation amid continuing unrest. The government has also issued a fresh advisory strongly discouraging any travel to Iran until further notice.

The advisory, issued on Wednesday by the Indian Embassy in Tehran, calls on Indian nationals — including students, pilgrims, businesspersons, and tourists — to depart Iran using all available means of transportation, including commercial flights.

“In view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport,” the embassy said in its statement.

The embassy further urged citizens to exercise extreme caution, avoid areas witnessing protests or demonstrations, remain in close contact with the Indian mission, and closely monitor local media for updates on the situation.

The latest advisory follows earlier warnings issued earlier this month and reflects growing concern within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) over the deteriorating internal security conditions in Iran. Ongoing unrest and violence have prompted heightened vigilance by several countries regarding the safety of their nationals in the Islamic Republic.

In a parallel advisory issued in New Delhi, the MEA reiterated its warning against travel to Iran. “Indian nationals are once again strongly advised to avoid all travel to Iran until further notice,” the ministry said.

The MEA referred to its earlier advisory dated January 5, which had cautioned Indian citizens against non-essential travel to Iran and advised those already present in the country to remain vigilant, limit movement, and follow instructions issued by local authorities and the Indian mission.

According to officials, the decision to escalate the advisory to a call for immediate departure was taken after assessing the rapidly changing ground situation and the potential risks to foreign nationals. While the government has not disclosed specific intelligence inputs, officials indicated that the evolving unrest posed increasing challenges to safety, mobility, and access to essential services.

India maintains close people-to-people ties with Iran, with thousands of Indian nationals residing in the country for education, religious pilgrimage, trade, and employment. The advisory is particularly significant for students enrolled in Iranian universities and pilgrims visiting religious sites, who are now being asked to prioritize personal safety and leave as soon as feasible.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised citizens who face difficulties in travel or require assistance to immediately contact the mission. Emergency contact numbers and email addresses have been circulated through official channels and social media platforms.

The MEA has said it is closely monitoring developments in Iran and remains in touch with Indian missions in the region to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian nationals. Any further updates or changes to the advisory, officials said, will be communicated promptly.

The advisory underscores India’s cautious diplomatic approach during periods of internal instability in foreign countries, with the safety of Indian citizens remaining a top priority.