New Delhi: The Indian government recently announced the successful evacuation of approximately 1,200 Indian nationals from Iran due to ongoing conflicts. Among those evacuated, 845 are students. The operation was executed through two main routes: 996 people entered Armenia, while 204 crossed overland into Azerbaijan.
Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), mentioned that sadly, eight Indians have either lost their lives or suffered injuries during the conflict, with one person reported missing.
During a media briefing, Jaiswal expressed India’s strong condemnation of recent assaults on UN peacekeepers in the region. He stated, “We pay homage to the fallen Blue Helmets and call on all parties to safeguard the UN mission and its personnel.” India has a long history as a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping, with around 600 troops currently serving in UNIFIL operations.
In light of escalating tensions, Jaiswal confirmed that there have been no discussions regarding tolls on Indian-flagged vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. Six Indian ships carrying essential energy supplies, including LPG and LNG, have safely passed through the strait.
He emphasized that the Indian government is actively negotiating with Iran and regional partners to ensure smooth transit for Indian shipping amidst the conflict. Later today, India’s Foreign Secretary will take part in a high-level meeting in the UK focused on the Strait of Hormuz.
As of now, the safety of Indian nationals abroad continues to be a top priority for the government, especially during such crises. Recent reports show that governments worldwide have stepped up evacuation efforts as global conflicts impact communities. A survey by the Global Citizen Fund indicated that nearly 60% of citizens believe their country should do more to assist nationals in conflict zones.
In moments like these, social media has played a crucial role in connecting families with information about loved ones abroad. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook see an uptick in users sharing information on evacuation efforts and safety protocols during crises.
For more on the ongoing situation, you can reference the [Ministry of External Affairs](https://www.mea.gov.in/) for updates and official statements.
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RANDHIR JAISWAL, INDIANS EVACUATED FROM IRAN, WEST ASIA CONFLICT, MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, EIGHT INDIANS WERE EITHER KILLED OR INJURED IN THE CONFLICT
