Posted on January 17, 2026
Due to growing unrest and a widespread communication blackout in Iran, many Indian nationals living and studying there have recently returned to India. The returnees described their time in Iran as stressful and lonely. They expressed relief and gratitude towards the Indian government for helping them leave a difficult situation safely.
Challenging Conditions in Iran
People who recently came back shared how conditions in Iran worsened drastically over the past few weeks. Economic difficulties sparked large protests and violent riots in many cities. Rising tensions made everyday life dangerous for residents.
A major issue during this period was a sudden internet shutdown affecting large parts of the country. Many felt anxious and distressed because they couldn’t contact family or get reliable news updates. One returnee mentioned that the internet blackout not only cut off communication with family but also made it hard to reach the Indian Embassy for help.
Indian Government’s Response and Advisory
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India issued advisories urging Indian citizens in Iran—including students, pilgrims, businesspeople, and tourists—to return home using any available transportation, such as commercial flights. Around 9,000 Indians were estimated to still be in Iran when these advisories were issued.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran provided emergency contact numbers and asked all Indians to register with them to ensure quick assistance, especially if local communication failed.
Emotional Reunions at Home
Families waiting for their loved ones at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport expressed deep relief when seeing them safe. Many shared how the inability to communicate during the unrest caused them great anxiety. These emotional reunions highlighted the heavy mental toll of being cut off from family during a crisis.
Why Iran Shut Down the Internet
Iran’s internet wasn’t just shut down during the riots. Reports indicate that starting in early January 2026, the government imposed blackouts nationwide to control the flow of information during protests and uprisings. These blackouts affected both domestic and international networks, isolating citizens from real-time news and loved ones abroad.
Governments often justify internet blocks as a way to stop misinformation or control rioters, but the result is that average citizens lose vital communication access. This especially pressures foreigners living in the country who rely on internet connectivity to stay in touch with family back home.
Looking Ahead
The Indian Government continues to closely monitor the situation in Iran and will provide ongoing support to Indian citizens wishing to return home. Although the global media focuses on Iran’s unrest, for Indian families, the main feelings remain relief for those reunited and concern for loved ones still facing uncertainty.