The recent escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel has prompted a swift response from the Indian government, particularly the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in ensuring the safe return of its citizens. Among those who found themselves in a precarious situation were a significant number of Kashmiri students pursuing higher education in various Iranian universities. Operation Sindhu, launched by the MEA, has been instrumental in evacuating these students, bringing immense relief to them and their families back home.
The urgency of the situation became apparent as tensions mounted, with reports of bombings and escalating hostilities creating an environment of fear and uncertainty. The Indian Embassy in Tehran, along with the MEA, worked tirelessly to coordinate the evacuation efforts. As a first step, over 100 students were evacuated from northern Iran and assisted in crossing over to Armenia. These students traveled by road to Yerevan under the supervision of Indian missions in Iran and Armenia, and were subsequently flown to Delhi.
The evacuation process involved careful planning and execution, with the Indian Embassy in Tehran providing constant support and guidance to the students. Emergency helplines were established, and Indian nationals were advised to stay in close contact with the embassy for updates and assistance. Recognizing the scale of the operation, the MEA also set up a 24/7 control room in New Delhi to address queries and coordinate logistics.
For many students, the journey back home was fraught with challenges. Some experienced harrowing journeys, moving from one city to another, before finally crossing the Iran border into Armenia. They have expressed their gratitude to the Indian government for their efforts in ensuring their safe return. Many students have lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for their personal attention to the matter.
Upon arrival in Delhi, the students were met with mixed reactions. While they expressed relief and gratitude for the central government's swift action, some voiced concerns over the arrangements made for their onward journey to Jammu and Kashmir. Initial reports suggested that the students were provided with ordinary State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) buses, which they felt were inadequate after their already exhausting and traumatic journey. However, taking cognizance of the students' concerns, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah intervened and directed the authorities to arrange deluxe buses for their transportation to the valley.
Despite the logistical hiccups, the overwhelming sentiment among the returning students is one of relief and gratitude. Many have spoken about the fear and anxiety they experienced while in Iran, especially after witnessing bombings and other signs of escalating conflict. The swift and decisive action of the Indian government has been credited with averting a potential crisis and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
As Operation Sindhu continues, efforts are underway to evacuate more Indian nationals from Iran, including a second batch of approximately 500 Kashmiri students who were moved to Mashhad, a city near the Turkmenistan border. The MEA has also announced plans to extend Operation Sindhu to assist Indian nationals in Israel who wish to return home, given the ongoing conflict in the region. The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv is coordinating these efforts, and citizens are being advised to register with the embassy for assistance.
The successful evacuation of Kashmiri students from Iran stands as a testament to the Indian government's commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. The collaborative efforts of the MEA, the Indian Embassy in Tehran, and the local administration in Jammu and Kashmir have been instrumental in bringing relief to countless families and ensuring the safe return of their loved ones.
