Several Indian nationals, including students, have returned from Iran using commercial flights as protests continue and authorities maintain a harsh crackdown. Reports say the violence has claimed more than 2,500 lives.

The flights arrived at Delhi airport late on Friday night. Officials said they could not immediately confirm how many Indians reached India on these commercial services.

Returnees describe situation on ground

Ali Naqui, who was part of a group of 12 to 13 travellers, said they did not face difficulties while in Iran. “We didn't face any problem,” he said.

He added, “We have returned from Tehran. Earlier, we were in Iraq, then we travelled to Iran. After an eight-day stay there, we have returned to India.”

A young woman studying at a medical college in Shiraz said limited internet access made it hard to understand the situation across the country.

“The Internet was not working. So, we didn't exactly know what was happening around the country.”

However, she said conditions in her city were calm and described the situation as “fine”.

Travel was self-arranged

The medical student also clarified that her return was not arranged by Indian authorities. “We have come back on our own in a commercial flight, and not on the arrangement of the Indian government.”

Families wait anxiously at airport

Late into the night, worried families gathered at the airport to welcome relatives returning from Iran. Many said the internet shutdown had caused concern. However, messages from the Indian Embassy in Tehran helped reassure them, even though communication channels were limited.

Abbas Qazmi, whose mother and aunt arrived from Iran, spoke about the anxiety his family felt. “There was definitely some anxiety because it was a global issue, and when the Internet was shut, we were quite worried.”

He added, “But as soon as communication resumed, we realised that things were under control. That gave us assurance that everything was fine. We had registered with the embassy as soon as the advisory was issued and were waiting for further instructions. My mother's flight was already scheduled, so things went smoothly, and we are happy.”

Government issues advisories

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said around 9,000 Indian nationals are currently living in Iran, most of them students.

“At present, there are approximately 9,000 of our nationals living in Iran. Most of them are our students,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a weekly media briefing on Friday.

He explained that the Indian community in Iran also includes sailors, pilgrims, and businesspeople. In response to the unrest, the government has issued several advisories.

“In these advisories, we have stated that our citizens should not travel to Iran at this time. And the Indian nationals who are currently residing there have been advised that, through whatever means available to leave the country at present, commercial flights are still operating, and that option is also available; they should make use of those and leave,” Jaiswal said.

India monitoring situation closely

Jaiswal said the Indian government is closely watching developments in Iran.

“As far as the safety and interests of our people are concerned, whatever needs to be done in their interest, if the need arises, we are fully committed to doing that,” he added.

Protests spread across Iran

Iran has seen weeks of protests triggered by rising inflation and a sharp fall in the value of its currency. The unrest began in Tehran late last month after the rial hit record lows. Since then, demonstrations have spread to all 31 provinces of the country.