India Issues Travel Advisory For Iran, Asks Citizens To Avoid 'Non-Essential' Travel Amid Protests

New Delhi: Amid protests in Iran, India has issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals in the country. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement, said, "In view of recent developments, Indian nationals are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice."

The statement further read, "Indian citizens and PIOs currently in Iran should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations and closely monitor news as well as the website and social media handles of the Embassy of India in Tehran."

"Indian nationals living in Iran on resident-visas are advised to register with the Indian Embassy, if not already done so," the MEA added.

The MEA’s advisory comes amid ongoing violent protests in Iran, which were triggred after the collapse of the country’s currency and rising living costs in late December. The protests have spread to at least 78 cities and 222 locations, with demonstrators calling for a change in regime.

The protests started on December 28, when shopkeepers in Tehran staged a strike over high prices and economic stagnation, but they have since spread to other parts of the country and expanded to include political demands.

At least 12 killed

At least 12 people have been killed since December 30 in clashes, including members of the security forces, according to officials.

Iran’s economy has been hit hard by tough international sanctions, with the national currency, the rial, losing more than a third of its value against the US dollar over the past year and inflation remaining in double digits.