Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, approximately 90 students from the Kashmir Valley were among the 110 Indian students evacuated from Iran. The evacuation was confirmed on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, as part of a broader effort by the Indian government to ensure the safety of its citizens in the region.
The students, primarily from Urmia Medical University, were studying various disciplines, including medicine, Islamic studies, and engineering, in Iranian cities such as Tehran, Qom, Arak, and Isfahan. The rising conflict and tit-for-tat strikes between Iran and Israel had created a traumatizing environment for these students, prompting urgent calls for evacuation.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) played a crucial role in coordinating with the students and the Indian government to facilitate their safe return. Rahool Banka, Chief Media Coordinator of JKSA, reported that there were approximately 1,300 students from various districts across Kashmir enrolled in Iranian colleges and universities. The association created a WhatsApp group to maintain transparent communication and address misinformation during the crisis, including around 400 students and their parents.
The evacuation process involved relocating students from Tehran to safer locations within Iran and facilitating the departure of others through the Iran-Armenia border. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi stated that the Indian Embassy made arrangements to move students out of Tehran for safety reasons. Some Indian nationals were also assisted in leaving Iran via the border with Armenia.
The first group of evacuees, including the 90 students from Kashmir, safely crossed into Armenia. They were accommodated in hotels in Yerevan, the Armenian capital, while awaiting their flight to New Delhi. Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the JKSA, confirmed that the students were safe in Yerevan and that their flight to New Delhi was scheduled for Wednesday.
The Indian government launched "Operation Sindhu" to bring back Indian students stranded in Iran. The first evacuation flight, carrying 110 students from Urmia Medical University, departed from Yerevan on June 18, 2025, and is expected to arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of June 19, 2025. The MEA expressed gratitude to the governments of Iran and Armenia for their cooperation in facilitating the evacuation.
All flight tickets, including the Delhi to Srinagar leg, have been arranged free of cost by the Indian government. The JKSA expressed deep appreciation for this effort, ensuring a smooth and complete journey home for the students.
While the initial evacuation focused on students from Urmia Medical University, many other Indian students remain stranded in various Iranian cities. The JKSA has appealed to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar for the swift evacuation of the remaining students, emphasizing the deteriorating situation with ongoing airstrikes and widespread fear.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has been continuously monitoring the security situation and engaging with Indian students to ensure their safety. A 24/7 control room has been established in the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian Embassy in Tehran has set up an emergency helpline to assist Indian nationals in need.
