Story by Harshit Uttam I Updated : 15 January 2026
Hundreds of residents in Ladakh’s Kargil recently staged pro-Khamenei rallies, expressing solidarity with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, even as millions of Iranians continue anti-regime protests across their own country. These demonstrations in Kargil were organized by Shia community groups and drew large crowds carrying banners and chanting slogans in support of Iran’s leadership.
Even as millions of Iranians protest against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s rule, Ladakh’s Kargil saw large gatherings in solidarity with Iran’s leadership. According to reports, thousands participated in rallies endorsing Khamenei and the regime, positioning themselves against the wave of anti-government demonstrations in Iran.
Videos emerging on social platforms reveal significant participation from Kargil residents in demonstrations of solidarity with Iran’s leadership, particularly Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who has been accused of authorizing the deaths of thousands of protesters amid widespread dissent, economic decline, and the weakening of the national currency against the US dollar.
Jaishankar Engages Iran Amid Escalating Strains
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephone conversation earlier today with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which the two leaders reviewed the evolving situation in and around Iran.
Jaishankar, in a post on X, stated that he had spoken with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and discussed the evolving situation in and around Iran.
Amid growing protests and heightened tensions in the Islamic Republic, the Ministry of External Affairs has strongly cautioned Indian nationals to avoid travel to Iran until further notice.
The Ministry of External Affairs, in an official release, reiterated its advisory urging Indian nationals to refrain from traveling to Iran until further notice, citing ongoing developments in the country.
This fresh advisory builds on a previous warning issued by the Centre on January 5, amid escalating worries about Iran’s worsening security environment.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has urged Indian citizens in Iran to depart the country as soon as possible.
In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on January 5, 2025, and in light of the evolving circumstances in Iran, the Embassy advises all Indian nationals presently in Iran—students, pilgrims, businesspersons, and tourists—to leave the country at the earliest through available means of transport, including commercial airlines.
Iran Experiences Largest Anti-Regime Protests
Iran’s protests have now stretched into their 20th day, evolving from demonstrations over soaring inflation and the sharp decline of its currency into widespread unrest reported across more than 280 locations.
Al Jazeera reports that Iranian state television has admitted to a high death toll from the nationwide protests, citing the Martyrs Foundation’s chief who blamed “armed and terrorist groups.”
The report highlights that Iran has faced an internet shutdown lasting over five days, even as international phone connectivity returns inconsistently.
Amid ongoing unrest and heightened global attention, Iran has lodged a formal appeal with the UN Security Council and the Secretary-General, accusing the United States of inciting violence, meddling in its internal affairs, and issuing military threats, according to a letter from Iran’s Permanent Mission to the UN on Wednesday.
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