India asks its citizens to leave Iran in conjunction with the visit to Israel
In a move reflecting escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued an urgent directive for its citizens in Iran to leave the country, amid growing concerns about the possibility of military strikes or a further deterioration of the security situation. The announcement was made through the Indian Embassy in Tehran, which advised Indian nationals to use all available means of transportation, including commercial flights, to return home as soon as possible.
Details of the warning and the size of the Indian community
Official estimates from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs indicate that approximately 10,000 Indian citizens are currently residing in Iran. The embassy, in a statement released via social media, emphasized the need for extreme caution, urging citizens to avoid areas of gatherings and protests, maintain constant contact with the diplomatic mission, and monitor local media for any emerging developments. This warning comes at a highly sensitive time, amid growing speculation about potential US strikes targeting facilities within the Islamic Republic.
Significant timing: Modi's visit to Israel
This warning takes on particular geopolitical significance given its timing with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Israel on Wednesday. This visit marks a pivotal moment in Indo-Israeli relations, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that Modi's visit will contribute to building a "new alliance" to confront what he termed "extremist adversaries." This visit follows a trajectory of strengthened ties that began with Modi's historic visit to Israel in 2017, followed by Netanyahu's visit to India the following year, reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership between the two countries in the fields of defense, agriculture, and technology.
India's complex diplomatic balance
New Delhi finds itself in a delicate diplomatic position, seeking to maintain a strategic balance between its growing ties with Israel and the West on the one hand, and its historical and economic relations with Iran on the other. While India relies on Israeli military and agricultural technology, it considers Iran a vital partner in the energy sector and trade routes.
India attaches paramount importance to Iran's Chabahar port, which it is developing to serve as its main trade gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistani territory. This port forms a crucial part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Therefore, any military escalation in Iran not only threatens the safety of Indian citizens but also casts a dark shadow over India's strategic and economic interests in the region, explaining India's swift action to evacuate its nationals as a preemptive measure.
