New Delhi: The Indian government has successfully evacuated over 1,200 nationals from Iran due to the ongoing conflict. This includes 845 students, who were brought back home safely. The evacuation took place via two routes: 996 individuals crossed into Armenia, and 204 made their way through Azerbaijan.
During a recent press briefing, Randhir Jaiswal from the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that eight Indians were killed or injured in the violence, with one person still missing. India has condemned the attacks on UN peacekeepers and expressed its condolences for those who lost their lives. Jaiswal emphasized the need for all parties to respect the UN mission’s safety, underscoring India’s long-standing commitment to peacekeeping. Notably, India contributes significantly to UN missions, with around 600 troops currently deployed in Lebanon as part of UNIFIL.
Regarding maritime safety, Jaiswal stated that there have been no discussions with Iran about tolls on Indian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. He mentioned that six Indian ships carrying essential energy supplies, including LPG and LNG, have successfully passed through this critical waterway. The Indian government is actively negotiating with both Iran and other regional partners to ensure smooth transit for Indian-flagged vessels, even amidst rising tensions. India’s Foreign Secretary is expected to attend a high-level meeting about the Strait of Hormuz hosted by the UK.
In recent years, the trend of Indian nationals studying abroad has grown significantly, with a 30% increase in the past five years according to a recent study by the Ministry of External Affairs. Many students head to countries like Iran for its affordable education system and rich culture, making the recent evacuation all the more concerning for families back home.
The current situation not only highlights the risks involved but also the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad in volatile regions.
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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
