‘We cannot assist once you exit Iran’: Indians asked not to approach land borders without embassy coordination | India News
NEW DELHI: The Embassy of India in Tehran has issued an advisory for Indian nationals in Iran not to approach the country’s land border points for travel outside the country without prior coordination with the mission.In a statement, the embassy said any movement towards land border crossing should be done only after receiving clear instructions from the Indian mission.“Indian citizens are hereby advised not to approach any land border with Iran for travel outside the country without prior coordination with the embassy,” the advisory said.The embassy warned that it would not be able to assist individuals if they left Iranian territory but failed to enter a third country.“It may be kindly noted that the embassy will not be in a position to extend assistance once the individuals have exited Iranian territory and are unable to enter the third country concerned,” the statement added.The mission said it was available to assist Indian nationals in Iran and urged them to stay in touch through the emergency helpline.The embassy has shared helpline numbers: +98-9128109115, +98-9128109102, +98-9128109109 and +98-9932179359, along with email address cons.tehran@mea.gov.in for consular assistance.The advisory comes as the embassy monitors the situation and coordinates with Indian nationals in Iran regarding travel and security.Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Parliament that India believes dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to reduce tensions in the Middle East. While outlining India’s position in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the developments and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure an effective response.“The Prime Minister continues to monitor emerging developments closely, and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure an effective response. Considering the gravity of the situation, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on March 1 under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. It was briefed on the airstrikes and subsequent attacks on Iran. The region,” he added.The EAM said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is of “particular concern” for India as more than one crore Indians live and work in the Gulf countries and regions. He added that the region is key to India’s energy security and includes many important suppliers of oil and gas.
