• Source:JND
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Iran on Sunday firmly denied reports claiming that Indian nationals were arrested during the ongoing anti-government protests, as concerns grew in India over the safety of students studying in the country. Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, termed the claims “totally false” and urged people to rely only on verified and credible sources of information.

The clarification came after social media posts and some overseas accounts alleged that Iranian police had detained six Indian nationals along with Afghan citizens during the unrest. The claims triggered anxiety among families in India, particularly those with children pursuing medical education in Iran.

Ambassador Rejects ‘False Narratives’

In a post on social media platform X, Ambassador Fathali said that reports circulating on foreign accounts regarding developments in Iran were baseless. He requested the public and media to depend on reliable sources and avoid spreading unverified information.

The Iranian envoy was responding to a post that alleged the arrest of “10 Afghan and 6 Indian nationals, along with Iranian accomplices,” in connection with recent violence. Iranian authorities have repeatedly accused foreign actors and overseas media outlets of spreading misinformation amid nationwide protests.

Concerns Over Protests And Death Toll

The denial comes against the backdrop of widespread protests that began on December 28 and have since spread across several Iranian cities. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), more than 500 people have reportedly been killed during clashes between protesters and security forces, with thousands detained across multiple provinces. Iranian officials, however, have disputed these figures and blamed external forces for fuelling unrest.

The protests are being described as one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s ruling establishment in recent years, prompting heightened security measures and an intensified crackdown.

Amid growing concern in India, two major medical bodies, the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) and the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA), reassured families that Indian students in Iran are safe.

Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, Vice President of AIMSA and FAIMA Doctors Association, said both organisations had received direct confirmations from Indian students across Iran. He stated that many students had personally reached out to convey messages of safety to their families back home. “All our students are safe. There is no need to panic,” Dr Khan said, adding that the Indian Embassy in Iran and senior officials are closely monitoring the situation and remain in constant contact with students and local authorities.

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Embassy Monitoring Situation

As protests continue to draw global attention, Indian authorities are closely following the developments in Iran, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday, amid a wave of protests in that country over inflation and currency devaluation.

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On January 5, New Delhi had urged Indian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran and also advised Indian citizens in Iran to exercise due caution and avoid travelling to areas witnessing protests or demonstrations. During his weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked about the situation in Iran. "We are closely following the developments in Iran. As you would have seen, we have also issued an advisory. We have some 10,000 Indian nationals and people of Indian origin in that country," Jaiswal said.

With agency inputs. 


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