In light of escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that Indian students in Iran are being moved to safer locations, and options for evacuation are being considered. The announcement comes amidst heightened concerns for the safety of Indian nationals, particularly students, residing in Iran, following recent strikes and escalating regional instability.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran is actively monitoring the security situation and is in constant communication with the Indian student community to ensure their safety and welfare. According to an official statement, the embassy is facilitating the relocation of students to safer areas within Iran. The MEA has also confirmed that "other feasible options are also under examination," suggesting that potential evacuation plans are being considered depending on how the situation unfolds.
The majority of the Indian students in Iran, estimated to be over 1,500, are pursuing professional courses, primarily MBBS, in cities such as Tehran, Shiraz, and Qom. Many hail from Jammu and Kashmir, prompting concerns from local leaders and families. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has spoken with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to address the concerns regarding the welfare and safety of the students. Abdullah has stated that the MEA is closely monitoring the situation and will take all necessary steps to safeguard Indian students in Iran.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued advisories urging all Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin to remain vigilant, exercise due caution, and avoid unnecessary movements. The embassy has also established a Telegram channel to provide updates and has requested Indian citizens to register their details through a Google form.
These actions are in response to the increasing hostilities between Israel and Iran. The MEA has emphasized that it is closely monitoring the security situation to ensure the safety and welfare of its nationals in both countries. The government is also in contact with community leaders across Iran to address welfare and safety concerns.
The Congress party has criticized the government's response, claiming that the MEA needs to move beyond passive advisories and establish a coordinated evacuation mechanism. Congress leaders have alleged that the government has been largely unresponsive to the students' calls for help, especially with flights suspended and internet access disrupted. They further added that the government is turning evacuations into propaganda opportunities, stepping in late and doing too little, too slowly, as has allegedly occurred in previous crises in Sudan and Ukraine.
India and Iran have long-standing ties rooted in historical and cultural interactions. In contemporary times, the relationship is characterized by high-level exchanges, commercial cooperation, and connectivity projects such as the development of the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar. Despite geopolitical differences and external pressures, India continues to engage with Iran on issues such as maritime security and regional connectivity. The current situation underscores the complexities of India's foreign policy in the region, requiring a delicate balance between its strategic interests and the safety of its citizens.
