New Delhi’s political corridors are buzzing as CPI Rajya Sabha MP Santosh Kumar raises an urgent alarm over the safety of nearly 10,000 Indians in Iran amid escalating US-Israel strikes. In a pointed letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Kumar demands clarity on the government’s evacuation strategies as tensions spiral out of control.
The missive comes hot on the heels of Saturday’s barrage of missiles from Israel and the US targeting Tehran and other key cities, prompting Iran’s retaliation against US bases in the Gulf. With the region teetering on the brink, Kumar underscores the peril faced by Indian expatriates, many of whom are workers and professionals entrenched in Iran’s economy.
“The situation in Iran following US-Israel military actions is deeply concerning,” Kumar writes, prioritizing the security and well-being of Indian citizens above all. He calls for a robust evacuation plan, real-time advisories, seamless embassy coordination, and swift mechanisms to airlift citizens if hostilities intensify.
Families back home in India are understandably gripped by anxiety, watching news feeds of explosions and counterstrikes. Kumar presses the government: What concrete steps are being taken to safeguard our people? This isn’t just a humanitarian plea; it’s a strategic one. India has poured billions into infrastructure like the Chabahar port and views Iran as a vital partner in energy security and regional connectivity.
Prolonged instability could derail these investments, but Kumar insists human lives must trump geopolitical calculations. He urges the ministry to treat citizen protection as paramount and pursue diplomatic channels to de-escalate.
India has responded proactively, issuing advisories to its citizens in Israel, Iran, Qatar, UAE, and other Gulf states, advising utmost caution. Embassies stand ready 24/7, but Kumar’s letter amplifies calls for more decisive action. As the world watches this powder keg, the fate of 10,000 Indians hangs in the balance, spotlighting New Delhi’s duty to its diaspora.