India brings back 312 fishermen from Iran through Armenia corridor

A group of 312 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions has been successfully brought back to India through Armenia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday. This marks the second major evacuation effort within a week , after 345 Indian fishermen were repatriated earlier , highlighting the government’s sustained efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.

In a statement shared on social media, Jaishankar expressed gratitude to his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the operation. “Another 312 Indian fishermen safely evacuated from Iran to India through Armenia. I thank the Government of Armenia and my friend Ararat Mirzoyan for making it possible,” he said.

Officials indicated that Armenia was chosen as a strategic transit route due to several logistical and diplomatic advantages. Its geographical proximity to Iran made overland evacuation feasible even during a volatile situation, while its stable political environment and friendly ties with India enabled quick coordination. Additionally, regional airspace restrictions and security concerns made direct evacuation more challenging, prompting authorities to opt for a safer and more manageable corridor through a third country . Such transit-based evacuations are commonly employed during crises when direct extraction is difficult.

The evacuation comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia , which have disrupted normal movement and posed risks to foreign nationals, including Indian workers and fishermen. The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation and remains prepared to undertake further rescue operations if required.