India Prepares Evacuation from Iran Amid Unrest; First Flight Friday | Quick Digest
India's Ministry of External Affairs is preparing to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran due to escalating unrest. The first special flight from Tehran to Delhi is scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2026, with an advisory urging all Indian citizens to leave the country.
MEA is actively facilitating the return of Indian nationals from Iran.
First evacuation flight from Tehran to Delhi scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2026.
Indian Embassy in Tehran has activated helplines and urged citizens to register.
Advisory issued for Indian students, pilgrims, and businesspersons to leave Iran.
Iran is experiencing widespread protests against inflation escalating into political unrest.
Around 300 Indians are expected on the inaugural evacuation flight.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India is actively preparing for the evacuation of its citizens from Iran amidst growing unrest and an evolving security situation in the country. Several credible news sources, including the Times of India, Economic Times, and NewKerala.com, reported on Thursday, January 15, 2026, that preparations are underway to facilitate the return of Indian nationals.
The primary claim that the first flight from Tehran to Delhi is scheduled for "tomorrow" refers to Friday, January 16, 2026. The Economic Times explicitly states that "The inaugural flight is set to leave Tehran on Friday, accommodating 300 Indians eager to return." News24 also corroborates that the first batch of evacuees is likely to depart as early as Friday.
The unrest in Iran, which prompted these evacuation measures, began as protests against rising inflation in late December 2025 and has reportedly escalated into a broader movement against the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Reports indicate a severe crackdown, with official figures suggesting over 2,600 casualties and more than 20,000 arrests since the protests erupted.
In light of these developments, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued advisories urging Indian nationals, including students, pilgrims, businesspersons, and tourists, to leave Iran using available commercial flights or other transport. The embassy has also activated four emergency helplines and asked Indian citizens to register their details to streamline the evacuation process. This ongoing situation is a critical concern for the Indian government, prioritizing the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad.
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