The recent escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict has triggered widespread fear and anxiety, particularly among international students residing in the affected regions. As missiles streaked across the sky and the echoes of explosions filled the air, these students found themselves caught in a terrifying situation, far from their homes and families.

Many students studying in Iran have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences. Mir Khalif, an MBBS student, recounted, "We saw missiles in the sky and heard bombs in our neighbourhood... We were petrified." His voice trembled as he described the experience as a nightmare, stating, "We saw missiles and heard bombings. It was a war zone. Our building shook during the attacks. I hope no student has to face what we did."

Varta, also from Kashmir, echoed Khalif's sentiments, recalling the fear she lived through. "The situation was quite critical. We were terrified when our neighbourhood was attacked. When the Indian government reached our doorstep, we felt relieved," she said, expressing gratitude to the Indian Embassy and Armenian authorities for their swift support.

Ali Akbar, a student from Delhi, painted a grim picture of the destruction he witnessed. "We saw a missile and a drone fall from the sky while travelling in a bus. Tehran is in ruins. The images on the news are real, the situation is very bad," he stated.

These accounts highlight the immediate danger and psychological trauma experienced by students during the conflict. The fear of attacks, the uncertainty about the future, and the concern for loved ones back home have created a stressful and precarious environment for these individuals.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Indian government launched "Operation Sindhu" to evacuate Indian nationals stranded in Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the government accorded the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad. As part of this operation, the Indian Embassy coordinated the relocation of students from Tehran to Armenia by land. From there, they were flown back to India.

The first evacuation flight, carrying 110 Indian students, landed in Delhi on Thursday. Among them, 90 students were from Jammu and Kashmir. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh welcomed the students home, reaffirming India's commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad.

Parents who were waiting anxiously at the Delhi airport expressed their gratitude for the government's efforts. Haider Ali, father of an MBBS student, said, "We are happy and grateful, but our hearts are still heavy knowing that many students are still stuck in Tehran. We urge the government to bring them back too."

The evacuation efforts have provided a sense of relief and security to those who have been brought home. However, the conflict has also raised concerns about the future of international education in the region. Students are worried about the validity of their degrees, the disruption of their studies, and the overall safety and appeal of studying in conflict zones.

The experiences of these students underscore the human cost of the Iran-Israel conflict. Beyond the geopolitical implications, the conflict has had a direct and profound impact on the lives of ordinary individuals, particularly those pursuing their education far from home. As the conflict continues, the safety and well-being of students and other civilians remain a paramount concern.