India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it was preparing to facilitate the return of Indian nationals from Iran as widespread anti-government protests escalated and authorities mounted a severe crackdown. The embassy activated four emergency helplines for urgent assistance: +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109, +98 9128109102 and +98 9932179359. Air India said flights that normally overfly Iran would use alternative routes and warned of possible delays. Those measures increase the risk profile for foreign nationals and complicate consular operations when local legal systems move quickly and communications are impaired. Officials stressed that plans remain subject to operational constraints on the ground, including Iran’s internal security measures and infrastructure disruptions.

Source: The Hindu January 16, 2026 21:49 UTC