India advised its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran until further notice due to recent developments, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on January 5.

The ministry issued a travel advisory stating that Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin currently in Iran should exercise caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations and closely monitor news as well as the website and social media channels of the Embassy of India in Tehran.

Indian nationals living in Iran on resident visas were advised to register with the Indian Embassy if not already done so. The advisory did not specify which recent developments prompted the warning, though it comes as Iran faces nationwide protests that have entered their second week.

At least 16 people have been killed in demonstrations that began following the Iranian rial's fall to a record low against the US dollar. Iranian authorities have imposed internet restrictions in areas with high protest activity.

The Ministry of External Affairs issued the advisory as several countries assess their diplomatic posture towards Iran during the current unrest. India maintains significant trade and energy relationships with Iran, with thousands of Indian nationals residing in the country for business and employment purposes.

India's travel advisory follows similar warnings from other governments regarding travel to Iran during the current period of civil unrest. The ministry did not indicate when the travel restrictions might be lifted or what criteria would be used to assess when conditions have improved sufficiently.