MEA says relocation underway, reassures families as over 1,500 Indian students remain in Iran
As tensions soar between Iran and Israel, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that Indian students in Iran are being relocated to safer locations. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is actively monitoring the situation and working closely with students and community leaders to ensure their safety, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the embassy is “continuously monitoring the security situation and engaging Indian students in Iran to ensure their safety.” He further stated that “in some cases, students are being relocated with the Embassy’s facilitation to safer places within Iran,” and added that “other feasible options are also under examination.”
MEA confirms relocation of Indian students in Iran, over 1,500—mostly from Jammu & Kashmir—remain in Tehran, Qom, and Shiraz
The development follows mounting concerns from families, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, after reports that over 1,500 Indian students—primarily studying MBBS—are stranded in Tehran, Shiraz, and Qom. Jammu and Kashmir’s former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah raised the issue directly with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Parents of these students have issued public appeals to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaishankar to facilitate their safe return amid the worsening situation.
The Embassy had earlier urged Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to remain vigilant and fill out a Google form to help compile accurate data on those currently in Iran. It also shared a Telegram channel link to disseminate real-time updates.
The crisis deepened after Israel launched ‘Operation Rising Lion’ on Friday, targeting Iranian military leadership and nuclear sites. In retaliation, Iran launched air strikes, leading to a dangerous escalation, with both countries exchanging hundreds of missiles over three days. Israel has indicated that further military action is likely, while Iran has vowed to “open the gates of hell.”
Indian diplomatic missions in both Iran and Israel have activated emergency helplines and are coordinating with local authorities. The MEA reiterated that it would continue to issue advisories as the situation evolves and has urged Indian nationals to remain calm, follow guidance from official channels, and limit unnecessary movement.
