On January 5, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a travel advisory recommending that Indian nationals refrain from non-essential travel to Iran until further notice due to recent developments in the region. Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin currently in Iran are urged to exercise caution, steer clear of areas experiencing protests or demonstrations, and stay updated with news and advisories from the Embassy of India in Tehran. Those Indian nationals holding resident visas in Iran are also encouraged to register with the Indian embassy if they haven’t done so already.
This advisory follows Iran’s most significant wave of protests in three years, representing the most serious unrest since 2022. Protests began in Tehran on December 29, 2025, after merchants closed shops in response to a steep decline in the value of the Iranian rial, rapidly escalating to other cities and rural areas. Students from at least 10 universities joined the demonstrations, which soon expanded to various regions.
Also read: India expresses concern over Venezuela crisis, calls for peaceful resolution
The economic strain has fueled public discontent, as the national currency has plummeted over 50% in value within a year, with a single US dollar now equivalent to roughly 1.4 million rials. Official inflation reached 42.5% in December, while food prices surged 72% year-on-year and medical expenses rose nearly 50%.
The unrest is a result of prolonged pressure from water shortages, conflict-related shocks, and long-standing sanctions. Protests have been reported in cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, and Kermanshah, highlighting the widespread nature of the turmoil.
(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
