Indian Students Evacuated from Tehran to Qom Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict

Hundreds of Indian students, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, studying at institutions like Shahid Beheshti University, University of Tehran, and Iran University of Medical Sciences, are being transported to Qom via buses.

Amid the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran, Indian students in Tehran are being relocated to Qom, approximately 148 km away, to ensure their safety. The Indian Embassy in Tehran, working with local Iranian authorities, has initiated the evacuation process due to ongoing missile strikes and heightened tensions. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively monitoring the situation to protect Indian nationals in the region.

Hundreds of Indian students, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, studying at institutions like Shahid Beheshti University, University of Tehran, and Iran University of Medical Sciences, are being transported to Qom via buses. The evacuation follows Israel’s military operation, which began on June 13, targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, prompting retaliatory missile strikes from Iran.

On June 16, the Indian Embassy in Tehran posted on X, urging Indian nationals to stay vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety protocols. A 24x7 emergency helpline and a Telegram link for real-time updates have been provided. The Embassy is facilitating the relocation of students to safer areas, with Qom identified as a calmer region compared to Tehran.

Official sources confirm that Iran has assured India of safe evacuation routes, with land borders to Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Armenia remaining open, as Iran’s airspace is closed. Nearly 100 Indian citizens have reportedly reached the Armenia border, with coordination ongoing with the Armenian ambassador in Iran to facilitate their return.

Students have shared their fears on X. Tabiya Zahra, a Kashmiri student in Tehran, posted, “We felt the land shake…we’re scared,” describing the tremors caused by strikes near the capital. Another student from Tehran University of Medical Sciences said, “Our University has been supportive. After the blasts, our Vice-Dean checked on us. It was a terrifying night. We trust India will evacuate us soon.”

Parents, especially from Jammu and Kashmir, are anxious. On June 15, protests occurred in Srinagar, with families urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi for swift evacuation. Saqib Ali from Budgam said his sister, now in Qom, remains worried due to slow internet and uncertainty.

The MEA has set up a 24x7 Control Room in New Delhi, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized that evacuation decisions will prioritize student safety based on the evolving situation. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is also engaging with the MEA to ensure the safe return of students from the Union Territory.

Over 6,000 Indian students are estimated to be in Iran, many pursuing medical studies due to affordable education and cultural ties. The Indian government is exploring additional evacuation options, including a potential maritime route via Bandar Abbas, as the conflict persists.

As the Israel-Iran conflict continues into its fifth day with ongoing missile and drone exchanges, the Indian Embassy’s latest X advisory urges calm: “Please do not panic, exercise caution, and stay in contact with the Embassy of India in Tehran.” For Indian students and their families, the focus remains on a safe return home amid the ongoing crisis.

Read More:

• Aberdeen University to Open First Scottish Campus in Mumbai
• University of Leeds invites applications for MSc in Air Quality Solutions with Data Science