India issues travel advisory for Iran as unrest spreads across cities

India has asked its citizens to temporarily rethink travel plans to the Islamic Republic of Iran as unrest linked to economic and political grievances continues to unfold across the country. The advisory, issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), also outlines precautionary steps for Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) currently living in Iran, as protests expand beyond the capital into several provinces. India flags safety concerns for travellers In its official statement, the MEA urged Indian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran “until further notice,” citing recent developments on the ground. Indians who are already in Iran have been told to stay alert, restrict their movement as much as possible, and avoid places where rallies or demonstrations are taking place. The ministry emphasized the value of keeping up with official updates from the Indian Embassy in Tehran, including its website and social media accounts, as well as credible news sources. Indian nationals and PIOs living in Iran on resident visas have also been urged to register with the embassy if they have not done so. The registration process enables the mission to maintain contact and extend assistance should the security situation change.Read more: India’s first Bullet Train is almost here — Route, speed, stations and official launch date Protests spread beyond economic demands The unrest, which first erupted in Tehran’s bazaar on December 28, has been driven by mounting anger over Iran’s prolonged economic crisis and has become increasingly violent in recent days. International sanctions have exacerbated Iran’s economic woes. The country’s currency, the Rial, has fallen more than a third in value over the past year with the steep drop driving up prices. The government has instituted a small monthly cash stipend to ease public pressure, but inflation is rampant and public discontent lingers. Official response and mounting casualtiesAddressing the unrest publicly for the first time, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei differentiated between protesters and what he described as “rioters.” He said, “We talk to protesters… But there is no benefit to talking to rioters. Rioters must be put in their place.”Iranian officials have admitted to economic problems while cautioning that instability could make it worse. At least 12 people, including members of the security forces, have been killed in sporadic clashes related to the protests since December 30, which highlight how volatile the situation has become.Read more: Melting ice reveals 1,500-year-old reindeer trap high in Norway’s mountains Global reactions and Tehran’s pushbackThe protests have drawn responses from world leaders, which Iran has dismissed as meddling in its internal affairs. US President Donald Trump said, “If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they’re going to get hit very hard by the United States.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed backing for the Iranian people’s demands, a statement promptly condemned by Tehran. Iranian Foreign Ministry said the Israeli regime was seeking to create division, with Prosecutor General warning that any decision influenced from outside would be met with a responding action. What Indians in Iran are advised to do now The MEA has advised Indian citizens to avoid protest locations, stay vigilant and keep abreast with developments as well as instructions issued by the Embassy of India in Tehran. It also added that the embassy registration is still a critical means of establishing communication and support as conditions change.