Amidst the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, the Indian government has been actively working to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens residing in Iran. In a significant development, the first batch of 110 Indian nationals, primarily students, were successfully evacuated from Iran via Armenia and are scheduled to land in Delhi on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. This swift action by the Indian government has been met with relief and gratitude from the students and their families.
The evacuation was necessitated by the increasingly volatile situation in the region, with Iran launching a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks on Israel. These attacks, a response to Israel's "Operation Rising Lion" targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, have fueled fears of a broader conflict engulfing the Middle East. Recognizing the potential danger to its citizens, the Indian government promptly issued an advisory urging Indian nationals in Tehran to evacuate and contact the Indian Embassy for assistance.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has established a 24/7 control room to coordinate the evacuation efforts and provide assistance to those in need. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has also set up a 24/7 emergency helpline to address the concerns of Indian nationals.
The evacuation process involved careful planning and coordination. With Iranian airspace facing closure and flight disturbances, the Indian government facilitated the movement of students to Armenia via the land border. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar personally spoke with his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, to ensure smooth passage and assistance for the evacuees.
The evacuated students, many of whom hail from Jammu and Kashmir and are pursuing medical and other professional courses, expressed immense relief and gratitude to the Indian government for prioritizing their safety. They shared stories of living in fear amidst the escalating conflict, often confined to basements with limited communication.
The Indian Embassy in Iran played a crucial role in providing support and guidance to the students. They arranged for transportation, accommodation, and travel documents, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for the evacuees. The embassy also provided free tickets for the students' flight back to India.
As the first batch of evacuees prepares to return home, efforts are underway to evacuate other Indian nationals stranded in Iran. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and exploring all possible avenues to ensure the safe return of its citizens. The successful evacuation of the 110 students demonstrates the Indian government's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, even in challenging and complex circumstances. The students and their families are deeply appreciative of the government's proactive measures and the tireless efforts of the Indian Embassy in Tehran.
