India Begins Evacuation of Students from Iran Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict; 100 Reach Armenian Border
India Begins Evacuation of Students from Iran Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict; 100 Reach Armenian Border
As airstrikes between Israel and Iran intensify, the Indian government has initiated the evacuation of Indian students from Iran. Around 6,000 of the approximately 10,000 Indians in Iran are students.
On Monday, about 600 Indian students were relocated from Tehran to Qom, as Tehran has been a target of Israeli strikes. Another 110 students from Urmia reached the Armenia border by evening and are expected to be airlifted on Tuesday.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan regarding the situation. Students in Shiraz and Isfahan are also being moved to safer areas like Yazd.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with Indian students for their safety. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that relocation within Iran is being facilitated, and other evacuation options are also being explored.
Jaishankar also held discussions with UAE Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan about the worsening West Asia situation.
Reports from Srinagar mention that many Kashmiri students studying professional courses in Iran are stranded. Their families have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene for their safe return.
