‘We cannot assist once you exit Iran’: Indians asked not to approach land borders without embassy coordination | India News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued an advisory asking Indian nationals in Iran not to approach any of the country’s land border points for travel out of the country without prior coordination with the mission.In a statement, the embassy said any movement towards land border crossings must be undertaken only after obtaining explicit guidance from the Indian mission.“Indian nationals are hereby advised not to approach any of the land borders of Iran for travel outside the country without prior coordination with the embassy,” the advisory said.The embassy cautioned that it may not be able to assist individuals once they leave Iranian territory but fail to enter a third country.“It may please be noted that the Embassy will not be in a position to extend assistance once individuals have exited Iranian territory and are unable to enter the third country concerned,” the statement added.The mission said it remains available to assist Indian nationals in Iran and urged them to stay in touch through its emergency helplines.The embassy shared helpline numbers: +98-9128109115, +98-9128109102, +98-9128109109 and +98-9932179359, along with the email address cons.tehran@mea.gov.in for consular support.The advisory comes as the embassy continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with Indian nationals in Iran regarding travel and safety.Earlier in the day, external affairs minister S Jaishankar told Parliament that India believes that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate the tensions in the Middle East. While outlining India’s stand in Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the developments and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses.“The Prime Minister continues to closely monitor the emerging developments, and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses. Given the gravity of the situation, the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) met on March 1, under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. It was briefed on the airstrikes in Iran and the subsequent attacks in several Gulf countries. The CCS was concerned over the safety and security of the Indian community in the region,” he added.The EAM said that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is of “particular concern” for India as over one crore Indians live and work in the Gulf nations and region. He also added that the region is key to India’s energy security and includes many important suppliers of oil and gas.