‘Internet Was Shut, We Couldn’t Contact Family’: Indians Recall Iran Unrest, Thank Govt For Safe Evacuation

Indians returning from Iran have spoken of tense days marked by protests, internet blackouts and uncertainty, as they reached New Delhi on Friday evening.

Many recalled the situation as dangerous and expressed relief at being brought home safely, thanking the Indian government and the embassy for timely coordination and support.

'Situation was dangerous', say returnees

Several Indian nationals described the ground reality in Iran as alarming, with protests disrupting daily life and movement. One returnee told ANI, "The conditions are bad there. The Government of India is cooperating a lot, and the Embassy provided us with information on leaving Iran as early as possible... 'Modi ji hai toh har cheez mumkin hai'."

The group arrived days after India advised its citizens to leave Iran due to a volatile security situation, assuring them that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure their safety.

Internet shutdown worsened fear and isolation

A major concern for Indians in Iran was the prolonged internet shutdown imposed after protests intensified. Many said the clampdown cut them off from their families in India and made it difficult to seek help.

"When we went outside, the protesters would come in front of the car. They would cause a little trouble... The internet was shut down, which is why we couldn't tell our families anything, so we were a little worried... We couldn't even contact the embassy," one Indian national said.

Students and pilgrims thank Indian government

A resident from Jammu and Kashmir, who returned with others, credited the Indian authorities for ensuring their evacuation. "The protests there were dangerous. The Indian government has made a very good effort and brought the students back," he said.

Family members waiting at Delhi airport also expressed gratitude. Relatives of a pilgrim who had travelled to Iran said they always had faith that the Indian government would step in during difficult times.

Protests, casualties and mixed ground reports

Protests against the Ayotallah Ali Khamenei-led regime began last month, with more than 3,000 people reported dead during the nationwide unrest so far. While an internet shutdown remains largely in place, Reuters reported a very slight improvement in connectivity recently.

Some returnees, however, offered mixed assessments of the current situation. "I am pursuing an MBBS at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The situation there is normal," one student said, while noting that the internet restrictions were still continuing.

Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Tehran had issued an advisory urging Indian nationals, including students, businesspeople, pilgrims and tourists, to leave Iran in view of the security situation.