India has moved students out of Tehran to safer locations as tensions rose, the Indian Embassy in Iran said. Most students in the city accepted the offer and have been relocated; a small number who declined remained in Tehran. The Embassy arranged transportation, food and accommodation for those moved.
Around 9,000 Indians, including students, are reported to be stuck in Iran, though the exact number of Indian students in the country is not immediately known.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been in touch with several West Asian leaders about the safety of Indians in the region, where nearly one crore Indians reside. Today he spoke by phone with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, and the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, expressing concern over recent attacks and discussing the security of Indian communities. He also spoke with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, condemning attacks there and thanking him for support to the Indian community.
In the past 48 hours, PM Modi has held calls with leaders from the UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar. The Ministry of External Affairs said Indian embassies and consulates in affected countries are maintaining close contact with nationals, issuing advisories and providing assistance to those stranded. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi advised nationals to avoid unnecessary travel, stay vigilant and follow local safety guidelines and embassy advisories.
