Indians’ return from Iran continues, people returning via Armenia-Azerbaijan

March 19, 2026

New Delhi: At least 882 Indian nationals stranded in Iran—including students, businessmen, and pilgrims—are returning home via Armenia and Azerbaijan. Many of them have already reached India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

“Since many people do not register with the embassy, ​​we estimated that there were around 9,000 Indians there. A large number of these students have already returned. Currently, around 882 Indian nationals are in the process of returning,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at the weekly press briefing.

More returning via Armenia route
He stated that 280 of the 284 pilgrims have returned via Armenia, while the remaining 3-4 are expected to arrive in a day or two.

According to Jaiswal, 772 Indians have crossed the Iranian land border into Armenia and are returning to India from there. The pace of return via Azerbaijan is slightly slower, with approximately 110 Indian citizens—some of whom have returned and the rest are expected to arrive soon.

MEA providing assistance and issuing advisories
The Ministry of External Affairs is continuously assisting Indian citizens and has advised them to follow the advisories issued by the Indian Embassy in Iran.

“There are approximately 9,000 Indian nationals in Iran, including students, sailors, businessmen, and pilgrims. Many, especially students, have already returned following the earlier advisory. We have also relocated several Indians living in Tehran to safer locations,” Jaiswal said.

He added that those wishing to return via Armenia and Azerbaijan are being assisted with visas and border crossings. Many Indians have been evacuated via these routes and brought back to India via commercial flights.