Ministry of External Affairs confirms the successful transit of pilgrims and students through Armenia and Azerbaijan as security concerns in West Asia escalate.More than 640 Indians have safely left Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirms embassy support for visas and repatriations.
Strategic Land Border Transits
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that approximately 640 Indian citizens have successfully exited Iran by crossing into neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan. This movement follows heightened regional security concerns that have complicated traditional air travel. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal detailed that over 550 individuals utilized the land border into Armenia, while a smaller group of roughly 90 nationals entered Azerbaijan.
Focus on Vulnerable Groups
The transit operation prioritized high-risk and specific traveler groups. Among those who reached Armenia were 284 pilgrims who had been visiting religious sites within Iran. Additionally, the Indian mission has been actively working to safeguard the student population. The embassy in Tehran has already relocated several students from outlying areas to more secure urban centers within the country to ensure their continued safety until they can be repatriated.
Embassy Support and Logistics
The Indian Embassy in Tehran remains fully operational despite the challenging local environment. Diplomatic staff have been instrumental in managing the complex logistics of these land crossings, providing essential assistance with:
* Visa Processing: Fast-tracking documentation required for entry into Armenia and Azerbaijan.
* Immigration Formalities: Coordinating with local border authorities to ensure smooth passage.
* Travel Coordination: Facilitating onward journeys for those returning to India.
Current Repatriation Status
A significant number of the evacuees have already touched down on Indian soil, with the remaining groups expected to return via commercial flights from Yerevan and Baku in the coming days. The MEA continues to monitor the situation closely, maintaining 24/7 communication channels for the remaining Indian diaspora in Iran and advising citizens to coordinate strictly with the embassy before attempting any independent border movements.
