Tehran, Iran — The Government of India on Tuesday issued a safety advisory urging its nationals in Iran to “stay where they are” for the next 48 hours due to ongoing US-Israeli military strikes across the country.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran instructed citizens to avoid all electric and military installations, refrain from moving to upper floors of multi-storey buildings, and remain indoors. Any essential highway movements are to be coordinated strictly with embassy officials.
“Those in embassy-hired hotels should stay put indoors while maintaining regular contact with on-site embassy teams,” the advisory stated, emphasizing the need for caution amid a rapidly escalating security environment.
Escalating Regional Violence
The advisory comes as regional tensions continue to surge following the US-Israeli offensive against Iran, which began on February 28. According to Iranian sources, the offensive has claimed more than 1,340 lives, including the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has not provided updated casualty figures in recent days.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, resulting in casualties, infrastructure damage, and significant disruptions to global aviation and oil markets.
Safety Precautions for Foreign Nationals
The Indian advisory highlights the dangers posed not only by direct attacks but also by secondary hazards, such as explosions near power and industrial infrastructure. Citizens were urged to:
Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Remain away from military or energy installations.
Coordinate any essential travel with embassy personnel.
Keep regular communication with embassy teams, especially if housed in embassy-contracted accommodations.
International Implications
India’s advisory reflects growing international concern over the safety of foreign nationals in Iran amid an intensifying conflict. Multiple countries, including China, Qatar, and several European states, have issued similar warnings or called for restraint, highlighting the risk of escalation and potential spillover effects in the Middle East.
With Strait of Hormuz tensions, US threats to Iranian infrastructure, and Iranian warnings of long-term disruptions to regional energy supplies, the situation remains volatile. Global energy markets are closely monitoring developments, given the potential for significant oil supply disruptions.
As the crisis continues, nations with citizens in Iran are implementing precautionary measures to ensure safety, underscoring the severity of the ongoing conflict. The next 48 hours are expected to be critical in determining the extent of escalations and whether diplomatic or humanitarian interventions can mitigate further risks.
