Bhubaneswar, Jan. 16 -- The Indian government has begun drawing up contingency plans to bring back Indian nationals stranded in Iran amid mounting safety concerns, sources said on Thursday. The External Affairs Ministry is preparing to facilitate the return of those who wish to travel back as unrest continues across large parts of the country.

Students from Golestan University, along with a small number from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Tehran University of Medical Sciences, are expected to form the first evacuation batch. Sources said the group could be flown out as early as Friday, subject to security clearances and flight availability.

"All students have been registered and instructed to remain ready," the Jammu...