India Issues Travel Advisory for Iran Protests

India issued a travel advisory on Monday, urging its nationals to avoid nonessential travel to Iran amid widespread protests that have escalated into violence across much of the country. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the advisory stems from recent developments, including clashes between demonstrators and security forces, and applies particularly to the capital, Tehran.

The advisory instructs Indian citizens and persons of Indian origin currently in Iran to exercise heightened caution, steer clear of protest areas, and monitor updates from the Embassy of India in Tehran via its website and social media channels. Indian nationals residing in the country on resident visas are encouraged to register with the embassy to facilitate communication and assistance if needed. Officials noted that several Indians, including doctors, engineers, and teachers, are living and working in Tehran and other cities.

The unrest in Iran began on December 28 in Tehran, triggered by a sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial and soaring inflation rates, which have strained households and businesses amid ongoing international sanctions. The rial has lost more than a third of its value...