Donald Trump's ultimatum to Iran has brought the crisis in the Middle East to a critical flashpoint, threatening regional stability and safety of civilians in the region. India on Tuesday advised its citizens in Iran to stay wherever they are for the next 48 hours amid looming tensions.
In its advisory, the Indian embassy in Iran urged the citizens to strictly avoid military installations, power infrastructure and the upper floors of multi-story buildings.
In his warning, Trump said "a whole civilisation will die tonight" if Iran does not meet his 8 pm Eastern Time deadline (5:30 am Indian time, Wednesday) to end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
In response, the Iranian embassy in South Africa wrote on X, "You and your allies will suffer an unforgettable hit from the ancient civilization of Iran." Its embassy in Zimbabwe posted, "These words are too big for your mouth. Stop embarrassing your people."
"In continuation of previous advisories, Indian nationals who are still in Iran must stay where they are for the next 48 hours, avoiding all electric, military installations and upper floors of multi-storey buildings, remaining indoors and coordinating any highway movement strictly with the embassy," read the advisory.
"Those in embassy-hired hotels should stay put indoors while maintaining regular contact with on-site embassy teams. All are requested to monitor official updates closely," it added.
The embassy said its emergency numbers remain operational: +989128109115, +989128109109, +989128109102 and +989932179359.
This comes as around 1,800 Indians among the 9,000-strong diaspora returned to India ever since the war began on February 28.
This comes despite reports claiming that the efforts to carry out talks with Pakistani mediation are ongoing. Trump had previously extended his deadlines but asserted that the latest one was final. Among the targets he threatened to destroy include Iranian power plants and bridges.