India Urges Citizens to Leave Iran Amid Escalating Tensions and Protests
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New Delhi: In a bid to ensure the safety of its citizens, India has issued a strong advisory urging around 10,000 Indians in Iran to leave the country immediately. The move comes amidst mounting regional tensions and nationwide protests that have claimed hundreds of lives. The protests, sparked by the economic downturn and rising unemployment, have prompted the US to threaten military intervention, leaving India caught in the middle. The Indian embassy in Tehran has advised citizens to exercise caution, avoid areas of protest, and stay in touch with the mission. While the situation appears to be under control, with pro-government rallies taking place in the past two days, the Indian government is preparing for all contingencies. The advisory is a reiteration of a previous one issued on January 5, which urged Indians to exercise caution and avoid protests. The US has imposed a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Tehran, putting pressure on India's long-standing relations with Iran. However, officials say the impact will be minimal, as India-Iran trade accounts for just 0.15% of New Delhi's total trade. The Indian government has not ruled out evacuating citizens from Iran if the situation deteriorates further. With over 2,000 people killed in the crackdown, the situation remains fluid, and authorities are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of Indian nationals. Reports indicate that the protests began at Tehran's Grand Bazaar over the Iranian rial's record loss of value, and soon turned into nationwide demonstrations. The economic crisis has been exacerbated by unprecedented water shortages, power outages, and spiraling inflation. The Iranian government has vowed to confront any aggression, while the US has left open the option of military intervention. As the situation continues to unfold, India's advisory serves as a stark reminder of the escalating tensions in the region and the need for caution.
