India Advises Citizens To Leave Iran Amid Tensions

In a significant escalation of the situation, India's Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated its advisory for Indian citizens to leave Iran, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Israel. The advisory, issued on February 23, 2026, emphasizes the urgency for Indian nationals to depart Iran due to rising tensions and the potential for conflict, with around 10,000 Indian nationals currently in the country. Modi's visit is framed as a pivotal moment for India-Israel relations, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing it as a demonstration of their 'special relationship,' akin to that of the U.S. and Israel. This visit comes at a time when the geopolitical landscape is fraught with challenges, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where over 72,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the onset of hostilities. Modi's support for Israel has been solidified since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, marking a significant shift in India's foreign policy towards a closer alignment with Israel, as noted by Middle East Eye.