In a move reflecting India’s proactive stance on global flashpoints, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke at length with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi over the phone on Wednesday evening. Their conversation tackled the intensifying crisis within Iran and its implications for the wider area.
Jaishankar took to X to apprise the public: ‘Received a call from Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. We discussed the emerging situation in and around Iran.’ Timed against a backdrop of chaos, this call preceded India’s issuance of a stringent new travel advisory.
The advisory is direct: ‘Owing to the current situation in Iran, Indian citizens are strongly advised to refrain from all travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran pending further updates.’ This reinforces a prior January 5 caution against unnecessary journeys.
Overseas Indians are counseled to remain alert, shun protest zones, track developments, and stay connected with the Embassy of India in Tehran through its digital platforms. Visa holders residing there should ensure embassy registration.
At the heart of the turmoil are deadly protests raging through Iran’s major cities, stoking fears of broader conflict and loss of life. The violence has escalated internal pressures and regional anxieties.
Paralleling India’s actions, America has commanded its nationals to ‘immediately depart Iran,’ suggesting Armenia or Turkey as exit paths. The U.S. Virtual Embassy’s alert details surging, potentially violent rallies causing detentions, harm, security clamps, traffic snarls, service disruptions, and net shutdowns. Flight reductions by carriers, including suspensions to January 16, compound the isolation.
With multiple countries on high alert, the Jaishankar-Araghchi exchange signals India’s commitment to dialogue even as it shields its people. This episode underscores the interconnected risks in today’s geopolitics, urging preparedness over panic.