Several Indians, including students, arrived in New Delhi on commercial flights from Iran late on Friday night amid widespread protests and a crackdown in Tehran that has killed over 2,500 people. The exact number of arrivals is not yet known. Ali Naqui, part of a group of 12 to 13 travelers, said, "We didn't face any problem." He added, "We have returned from Tehran. Earlier, we were in Iraq, then we travelled to Iran. After an eight-day stay there, we have returned to India." A young woman studying medicine in Shiraz reported, "The Internet was not working. So, we didn't exactly know what was happening around the country." She also said the situation in her city was "fine" and that they came back on their own by commercial flight, not arranged by the government. At Delhi airport, families waited anxiously to receive returning relatives. Abbas Qazmi, whose mother and aunt returned, said, "There was definitely some anxiety because it was a global issue, and when the Internet was shut, we were quite worried." He added, "But as soon as communication resumed, we realised that things were under control. That gave us assurance that everything was fine. We had registered with the embassy as soon as the advisory was issued and were waiting for further instructions. My mother's flight was already scheduled, so things went smoothly, and we are happy." External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a media briefing that about 9,000 Indians, mostly students, live in Iran. Others include sailors, pilgrims, and business people. In view of ongoing developments, India has issued two to three advisories recommending citizens avoid travel to Iran and urging those already there to leave using commercial flights that remain operational. "We are closely monitoring the situation and developments there," Jaiswal said. "As far as the safety and interests of our people are concerned, whatever needs to be done in their interest, if the need arises, we are fully committed to doing that." Iran is facing widespread protests caused by inflation and currency devaluation. The protests started late last month in Tehran after the Iranian Rial fell to record lows. They have since spread to all 31 provinces, shifting from economic demands to calls for political change.