India expresses readiness to rescue Nepali citizens in Iran

KATHMANDU, June 21: Following a formal request from the Government of Nepal, India has expressed its readiness to rescue Nepali citizens stranded in Iran due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.

Alongside Nepal, the Sri Lankan government has also requested India to rescue its citizens in Iran. The Embassy of India in Iran has stated that Nepali and Sri Lankan citizens may urgently reach out to the Embassy and has provided contact numbers.

“On request of the governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka, the Indian Embassy’s evacuation efforts in Iran will also cover citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka,” the Embassy of India in Iran wrote on X on Saturday. “The citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka may urgently reach out to the Embassy, either on the Telegram channel or via the emergency contact numbers: +989010144557; +989128109115; +989128109109.”

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Minister Dr. Rana shared that there are currently 16 Nepali citizens in Iran. While requesting India’s support, she asked that Nepalis also be included in their evacuation efforts. “We have a small number of Nepali nationals in Iran. I requested the Government of India, through Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava, to kindly include our citizens in their rescue efforts. We are now awaiting their support.” she said.

She also directed Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Shankar Sharma, to coordinate closely regarding the matter.

After the Indian Embassy in Iran agreed to Nepal’s request, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) reached out to the Nepalis in Iran today, advising them to contact the Indian Embassy. The Embassy has also issued a public notice to this effect.

According to Spokesperson for MoFA Lok Bahadur Paudyal Kshetri, coordination is ongoing with the Nepalis in Iran and with Rakhee Mayuri, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy.

Of the 16 Nepalis in Iran, five are currently in custody due to immigration-related issues. The Ministry has been making efforts to secure their release and facilitate their return home.