Iran-Israel conflict: India issues advisory, assures visa relief to stranded foreign travellers
The advisory is a precautionary step to ensure that those stranded or facing travel uncertainty due to the crisis are not placed in violation of immigration norms
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday advised foreign nationals in India whose travel plans have been disrupted by the escalating crisis in West Asia to approach the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for assistance with visa extensions or to regularise their stay.
The advisory, issued on March 1, said the concerned FRROs would facilitate necessary formalities on a case-by-case basis.
“Contact details are available on the Bureau of Immigration website,” the Ministry said, urging affected individuals to seek timely assistance to avoid overstaying.
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The move comes amid sweeping geopolitical upheaval in the Middle East, following reports of the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a coordinated strike attributed to Israel and the United States — an unprecedented development that has plunged the region into uncertainty and sharply escalated tensions.
Iranian state media said the 86-year-old leader was killed in an air strike targeting his compound in downtown Tehran. Satellite imagery released by Airbus appeared to show extensive damage at the site. Tehran has since vowed retaliation, describing the attack as a “great crime” that would not go unanswered. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned it was preparing what it called its “most intense offensive operation” against Israeli and American targets in the region.
Amid the rapidly deteriorating security environment, several countries have issued travel advisories, and major international carriers have suspended, rerouted or delayed flights due to the closure of sensitive air corridors. Key transit hubs in the Gulf, including Dubai, have reported disruptions as airlines avoid conflict-affected airspace.
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New Delhi has expressed deep concern over the unfolding situation, calling for restraint and underscoring the need for dialogue to prevent further escalation. The MEA said it is closely monitoring developments and remains in touch with Indian missions in the region.
Indian embassies in Tehran, Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv have issued advisories over the past week, urging Indian citizens to exercise caution, avoid non-essential travel and remain in contact with diplomatic missions. Authorities are also reviewing contingency measures in the event of further deterioration.
Officials indicated that the advisory for foreign nationals in India is a precautionary step to ensure that those stranded or facing travel uncertainty due to the crisis are not placed in violation of immigration norms.
