The MEA on Thursday said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart held three rounds of talks on the Middle East unrest and that issues pertaining to the safety of India-bound vessels were discussed. On being asked whether Iran has permitted India-flagged tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said it would be “premature” for him to speak further on the issue.

"External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Minister of Iran have had three conversations in the recent days. The last one discussed issues pertaining to the safety of shipping and India's energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything," he said.
People willing to leave Iran being assisted
On evacuation of Indian nationals from the strife-hit region, Jaiswal said the Foreign Ministry was helping people who wish to return home. Sharing the details further, he said over several people from Iran have been either been evacuated or shifted to safer locations.

"We've had about 9,000 Indian nationals who were there or who are there in  Iran. These 9,000 Indian nationals comprise students, seafarers, business people, professionals and some pilgrims...Several Indian nationals, mostly students, left the country and reached home. We have shifted several Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims, who were based in Tehran to other safer locations and cities in the country. We are also assisting Indian nationals who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there to take commercial flights to return home. We are assisting them with visas. We are also assisting them with land border crossings,” the MEA spokesperson said.

Jaiswal further said people who wish to leave Iran should follow the advisory issued by the consulate.

“I would take this opportunity to advise all Indian nationals who desire to leave Iran via land borders. They should adhere to the advisory that our embassy has issued," he said.