1,200 Indian Students Remain in Iran Amid Escalating Conflict, Evacuation Plan Urged
The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (J&KSA) has revealed that around 1,200 Indian students are currently stranded in Iran following the commencement of US and Israeli military strikes on Saturday. The association is urgently calling upon the Indian government to formulate and implement a comprehensive evacuation strategy should the volatile situation deteriorate further.
Academic Commitments Delay Student Departures
Faizan Nabi, the 22-year-old Iran coordinator for J&KSA and a third-semester MBBS student at Kerman University of Medical Sciences in southwestern Iran, provided critical insights into the predicament. He disclosed that nearly half of the Indian student population had heeded the initial advisory issued by the Indian embassy in Tehran on February 23, which strongly recommended departure via available means.
However, a substantial contingent chose to remain behind due to pressing academic obligations. These students were scheduled to appear for two pivotal examinations administered by Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education on March 5. The assessments included a comprehensive general science test and another examination directly linked to internship eligibility within the MBBS curriculum.
"Many students operated under the assumption that they could complete their examinations and subsequently depart. They did not foresee such a sudden and severe escalation in hostilities," Nabi explained, highlighting the unforeseen nature of the conflict's intensification.
Profile of Stranded Indian Nationals and Embassy Advisory
The majority of Indian nationals presently in Iran are medical students enrolled across various universities in multiple provinces. A significant portion hails from Jammu and Kashmir, with additional representation from states including Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and others.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Indian embassy in Iran issued a fresh advisory on its official X handle on Saturday. The communication urged all Indian citizens in the country to exercise utmost caution.
The advisory explicitly stated: "Avoid unnecessary movements and remain indoors as far as possible. Indians may also continue to monitor the news, maintain situational awareness and await any further guidance from the embassy of India."
The embassy also provided emergency contact details for immediate assistance:
- +989128109115
- +989128109109
- +989128109102
- +989932179359
Communication Challenges and Parental Anxiety
Nabi further reported that internet and mobile connectivity experienced significant disruptions in parts of Iran starting Saturday morning, severely limiting real-time communication capabilities. This blackout has exacerbated concerns among families back in India.
"Parents across India are understandably anxious and are continuously reaching out to us for updates and information. After considerable effort, we managed to relay the details of the stranded students to officials at the Indian embassy in Tehran via SMS," Nabi stated.
He expressed cautious optimism, noting, "The government has cooperated with us on previous occasions, and we sincerely hope that necessary preparations are being made in the event that a large-scale evacuation becomes imperative."
Firsthand Accounts and Iranian Diaspora Reactions
An anonymous MBBS student from Isfahan, who returned to India via Baku just five days prior, described a noticeably subdued atmosphere in Tehran in the days leading up to the strikes. "There were visibly fewer people outdoors during the evenings. It felt as though an anticipation of significant events was in the air," the student recounted, confirming that academic commitments were the primary reason many peers chose to stay.
Meanwhile, Iranian nationals residing in India expressed sharply polarized and emotionally charged reactions to the unfolding events. Mohammed, a Delhi resident for over a decade who agreed to be identified by his first name, characterized the moment as historically decisive.
"Following the tragic deaths of thousands, including women and children, at the hands of regime forces during recent mass protests, we harbor hope that the regime will finally be toppled. The people of Iran have endured immense suffering. We aspire to celebrate Nowruz on March 20 in a free and liberated Iran," he articulated, reflecting the deep-seated sentiments within the diaspora.
