India cautions nationals in Iran amid violent protests, warns citizens against non-essential travel

Protesters wave pre-1979 Islamic Revolution flags of Iran as they gather for a demonstration against the Iranian regime's crackdown on protests in central Paris, on January 4, 2026. (Photo by Blanca CRUZ / AFP)

India on Tuesday issued a travel advisory urging its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran in view of the ongoing violent protests in the country.

“In view of recent developments, Indian nationals are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice,” the advisory said.

The Ministry of External Affairs also advised Indian citizens and persons of Indian origin currently in Iran to “exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, and closely monitor news” as well as updates issued by the Embassy of India in Tehran.

Indian nationals living in Iran on resident visas have been asked to register with the Indian Embassy if they have not already done so.

The advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs comes amid the ongoing violent protests in Iran, which were sparked by the collapse of the country’s currency and rising living costs late December. The protests have spread to at least 78 cities and 222 locations, with demonstrators calling for the end of the regime.

Head of Iran's judiciary Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said on Monday that no "leniency" will be offered to "rioters," though the public has a right to demonstrate.

"I instruct the attorney general and prosecutors across the country to act in accordance with the law and with resolve against the rioters and those who support them... and to show no leniency or indulgence," Ejei said, according to the judiciary's Mizan news agency.

He went on to add that Iran "listens to the protesters and their criticism, and distinguishes between them and rioters".

The remarks came after US President Donald Trump warned Iran would "get hit very hard by the United States" if the authorities killed more demonstrators.

The protests began on December 28 when shopkeepers in Tehran staged a strike over high prices and economic stagnation, but they have since spread to other places and expanded to include political demands.

Demonstrations have taken place in 25 of Iran's 31 provinces and affected, to varying degrees, at least 45 different cities, most of them small or medium-sized and concentrated in the west, according to an AFP tally based on official statements and media reports.

At least 12 people have been killed since December 30 in localised clashes, including members of the security forces, according to official announcements.

Since the protests began, officials have publicly struck a conciliatory tone when it comes to protesters' economic demands, while vowing to take a hard line against any chaos or destabilisation.

Iran's economy has been hit hard by tough international sanctions, with the national currency, the rial, losing more than a third of its value against the US dollar over the past year and inflation in double digits.