Jaishankar Thanks Armenia For Helping Evacuate 550 Indians From Iran

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday expressed gratitude to the government and citizens of Armenia for supporting the evacuation of more than 550 Indian nationals from Iran.

In a message shared on X, Jaishankar thanked Armenia for enabling the safe transit of Indians during the ongoing regional crisis. He acknowledged the country’s cooperation and assistance during what he described as challenging circumstances.

The evacuation efforts follow escalating tensions in West Asia after joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on February 28.

The attacks reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with several senior commanders.

Iran later retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting American and Israeli interests across the region.

More than 70 stranded Indian students reached New Delhi safely, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association confirmed. Most of them were from Jammu and Kashmir and returned with several pilgrims.

Association convenor Nasir Khuehami said the group travelled through Armenia and Dubai before boarding a commercial flight to India.

Authorities coordinated the complex land and air journey to ensure safe passage.

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that India continues to assist its citizens in Iran while monitoring shipping safety and energy security concerns.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said around 9,000 Indians remain in Iran, including students, seafarers, professionals, and pilgrims. He confirmed that several nationals have already returned home in response to earlier advisories.

The government has relocated some Indians from Tehran to safer locations within Iran.

Officials are also helping citizens travel through Azerbaijan and Armenia to access commercial flights back to India.

India’s embassy in Tehran remains in constant contact with the community and continues to extend all possible assistance.

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