New Delhi: India on Monday said it is monitoring the deadly protests in Iran and has advised its citizens residing there not to venture out or go near affected areas. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said at a press conference in Gandhinagar that all Indians there are safe and have not faced any problems so far. Meanwhile, tensions are expected to escalate further in Iran following calls for government-backed rallies against the US and Israel.
'Indians in Iran are safe'
During a special briefing on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's first visit to India, Foreign Secretary Misri said, "We are monitoring the developments in Iran... There are a large number of Indian expatriates and students in Iran." He said that "despite the restrictions, our embassy has reached out to the student community and found that they are safe and have not faced any problems so far."
Indians advised not to venture out
He also added, "We have advised all our nationals there not to venture out or get involved in any disturbances." The protests in Iran, which began on December 28 primarily over rising inflation, have turned deadly. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), more than 500 people have been killed and over 10,000 arrested so far. Most of the dead are protesters, but about 50 security personnel have also lost their lives.
Rally against the US and Israel
Tensions in Iran have escalated further after the latest threat from US President Donald Trump. He again warned that the US could intervene in support of the protesters. Iran has also warned of retaliatory action. Iran alleges that its crisis is being exacerbated by the United States and Israel. According to Iranian state media, a nationwide rally was called for on Monday "in protest against terrorist acts led by the United States and Israel."
