As the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, the safety of Indian citizens in Iran, particularly students, has become a paramount concern for the Indian government. With escalating tensions and exchanges of missiles between the two nations, Indian students are being moved to safer locations within Iran, while the possibility of evacuation is also being explored.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has been actively monitoring the security situation and engaging with the Indian community to ensure their well-being. In a recent statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that some students are being relocated to safer areas within Iran with the embassy's assistance. Other feasible options are also under consideration, keeping the safety and security of the students as the primary consideration.
The majority of the Indian students in Iran, numbering over 1,500, are from Jammu and Kashmir and are pursuing professional courses, mainly MBBS. Many had chosen Iranian universities for their affordability, especially for medical education. These students are currently stranded in cities like Tehran, Shiraz, and Qom, where they have reported hearing sirens, feeling tremors, and witnessing heightened military activity.
Worried parents in Srinagar have been staging protests, demanding the immediate evacuation of their children. They have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to intervene and facilitate the safe return of the students, drawing parallels to the evacuation efforts during the Ukraine crisis.
Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, has also taken up the issue with the MEA, urging them to ensure the well-being of the Indian students in Iran. He has assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Iranian authorities to ensure their safety.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued advisories urging all Indian nationals in Iran to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movements. They have also provided emergency contact numbers and started a Telegram group to help Indians connect with the authorities and receive timely updates. The embassy has also requested all Indian nationals to register their travel documents to ensure their safety. The helpline numbers are +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109 for calls, +98 901044557, +98 9015993320, and +91 8086871709 for WhatsApp. Regional contacts for Bandar Abbas are +98 9177699036 and for Zahedan +98 9396356649.
Given the closure of Iranian airspace due to the conflict, evacuation by air is not currently possible. As a result, the option of evacuation by ships from southern Iran is being considered. There are approximately 10,000 Indians in Iran, including 6,000 students in seminaries in Qom and other Shia centers of learning, 2,000 fisherfolk and sailors in southern ports, students in medical colleges, and business families.
The Indian government has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, urging both nations to avoid further escalation and return to dialogue and diplomacy. India has close and friendly relations with both countries and has offered to extend all possible support to de-escalate the situation.
In the meantime, the Indian Embassy in Tehran is working to provide immediate assistance and support to Indian nationals in Iran, including relocating students to safer locations, providing updated safety guidelines, and maintaining regular communication to address their concerns.
The safety and well-being of Indian citizens in Iran remain a top priority for the Indian government, which is committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure their protection during this challenging time.
