India, Sept. 20 -- The Ministry of External Affairs has cautioned Indian nationals to exercise strict vigilance amid a spike in 'false promises of employment' in Iran.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said: "There have been a number of recent cases involving Indian citizens who have been lured to travel to Iran on false promises of employment, or with assurances that they would be sent further to third-countries for employment."

"Upon reaching Iran, these Indian nationals have been kidnapped by criminal gangs and ransoms have been demanded from their families for securing their release," the statement said.

MEA said all Indian citizens are strongly cautioned to exercise the 'strictest vigilance' regarding such employmen...