The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel has entered its fourth day, marked by intense exchanges of missiles and drones. As the situation deteriorates, international concerns are rising about the safety of foreign nationals residing in the affected areas, especially students. Among those caught in the crossfire are a significant number of Indian students pursuing higher education in Iran, primarily in the field of medicine.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Indian government has initiated efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens in Iran, with a particular focus on the student population. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that the Indian Embassy in Tehran is closely monitoring the security situation and actively engaging with Indian students to provide assistance and support.
One of the immediate measures being taken is the relocation of students from high-risk areas to safer locations within Iran. According to sources, buses have been arranged to transport students from universities in Tehran, including Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Islamic Azad University Tehran Medical Sciences, to areas considered less vulnerable to attacks. Some students are being moved to Qom, a city located approximately 148 kilometers (around 92 miles) from Tehran. Other relocation destinations include Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tajrish and Urmia University of Medical Sciences, near Iran's border with Turkey and Azerbaijan.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has communicated directly with universities, requesting their cooperation in facilitating the evacuation of Indian students. The embassy has assured that it will take responsibility for the planned movement and security of the students during this relocation process.
While relocation efforts are underway, the Indian government is also exploring other feasible options to ensure the long-term safety of its citizens in Iran. Given the closure of Iranian airspace, evacuating students by air is not currently possible. As a result, alternative evacuation routes are being considered, including the possibility of evacuating students by sea through the southern port of Bandar Abbas or through Iran's northern borders with Azerbaijan and Armenia.
The situation has caused considerable distress among the students and their families. Many students have expressed their concerns about being caught in the middle of a conflict between two nations to which they have no allegiance. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for urgent intervention and evacuation of Indian students, describing the situation as a "humanitarian emergency."
Parents of Indian students in Iran have also voiced their concerns and have urged the government to take swift action to bring their children home. Protests have been held in Srinagar, with parents appealing to the government to evacuate the students from cities targeted by Israeli strikes.
Despite the challenges, the Indian government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens in Iran. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is working closely with local authorities and community leaders to provide assistance and support to those affected by the conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, the government will continue to explore all available options to protect and, if necessary, evacuate Indian nationals from Iran.
