The recent escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict has placed Indian students studying in Iran in a precarious situation. As the two nations exchange strikes, these students, many of whom are from Jammu and Kashmir and are pursuing medical degrees, find themselves caught in the crossfire, prompting urgent calls for evacuation and relocation efforts.
The conflict intensified earlier this week, with reports of explosions and air strikes rocking Iranian cities, including Tehran, where a significant number of Indian students are enrolled in universities. Some students recounted terrifying experiences of witnessing attacks near their dormitories, with shattered windows and sleepless nights becoming the new norm. One student described the situation as feeling like the "war was literally over our heads."
In response to the escalating crisis, the Indian government has stepped up efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens in Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that the Indian Embassy in Tehran is continuously monitoring the security situation and engaging with Indian students to provide support and assistance. As part of these efforts, students are being relocated to safer areas within Iran, with some being moved to cities like Qom, located approximately 150 kilometers from Tehran.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has also issued advisories urging Indian nationals to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movements, and stay updated through official channels. A special Google Form has been circulated for citizens to register themselves, and a Telegram channel has been created to relay verified updates directly from the embassy.
The situation has sparked concerns among families of the students back in India, with parents in Srinagar holding protests to urge the government to expedite the evacuation process. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for urgent intervention, calling the situation a "humanitarian emergency."
Despite the efforts to relocate students to safer locations, concerns remain about the overall safety and well-being of Indian students in Iran. The closure of Iranian airspace has complicated evacuation efforts, but Tehran has agreed to keep its land borders open for diplomatic evacuations. There are reports that India might explore the possibility of evacuating its students via a land route to Armenia if the situation worsens.
The Indian government is exploring all feasible options to ensure the safety and security of its citizens in Iran. The focus remains on providing support, facilitating relocation to safer areas, and exploring potential evacuation routes should the conflict continue to escalate.
