New Delhi/ Baku, April 03: India on Thursday expressed appreciation to the government of Azerbaijan for facilitating the evacuation of Indian nationals from Iran amid ongoing regional tensions.
Addressing a media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that 204 Indian nationals have successfully crossed into Azerbaijan via the land border from Iran. Several evacuees have already returned to India, while others are expected to arrive in the coming days.
India acknowledged Azerbaijan’s logistical and diplomatic support in enabling safe transit for its citizens. The two countries remain in regular contact, with discussions ongoing to coordinate further evacuation efforts if required.
Separately, Abhay Kumar recently met Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov while presenting his credentials. The meeting covered bilateral relations, regional developments, and cooperation avenues, including assistance extended during the evacuation process.
According to Azerbaijani authorities, both sides reviewed existing ties and explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation, while also exchanging views on the evolving situation in the Middle East.
Earlier, the MEA had indicated that around 882 Indian nationals — including students, business professionals, and pilgrims — have been returning to India via Azerbaijan and Armenia. Of the 284 pilgrims in Iran, 280 have already returned through Armenia, with the remaining expected to arrive shortly.
The coordinated evacuation underscores India’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad, supported by diplomatic engagement with regional partners.
