New Delhi: India has recently eased its travel advisory for Iran and Israel, signaling a shift in its stance on travel to these nations. While the advisory advises citizens to remain vigilant, it also acknowledges the improving situation in both countries. This update follows a revision of the previous advisory issued on April 12, which had cautioned against travel to Iran and Israel due to heightened tensions and volatile conditions.
According to Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and has noted that both Iran and Israel have opened their airspace for several days now. Emphasizing the importance of staying alert, Jaiswal stressed the need for Indian nationals to maintain contact with the Indian Embassy while visiting these countries.
“We advise Indian nationals to remain vigilant while travelling to these countries and be in touch with the Indian Embassy,” Jaiswal reiterated.
The advisory further underscores, “They are also requested to observe utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum.”
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Several factors influenced the decision to modify the travel advisory. Notably, tensions between Iran and Israel have eased, resulting in the relaxation of airspace restrictions in both nations.
Additionally, Israel’s expressed requirement to ease travel restrictions stems from plans to hire thousands of Indian construction workers. The previous advisory had disrupted the travel plans of over 6,000 Indian workers expected to be sent to Israel in April.
Presently, there are approximately 19,000 Indians in Israel, including workers employed in construction projects and various professions. Similarly, Iran hosts over 4,000 Indians.
The advisory issued on April 12 had advised against travel to Iran and Israel, urging Indians residing in these countries to register themselves with the Indian embassies and exercise utmost caution for their safety. India had also conveyed its concerns over the situation in West Asia to both Iran and Israel.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had conveyed this message during separate phone conversations with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahin and Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz.
