Israel-Iran War: Indian Students Evacuated from Tehran

Amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the Indian government has rescued more than 1,500 Indian students, most of them from Jammu and Kashmir, from Iran’s capital, Tehran, and relocated them to the city of Qom. Confirming the rescue operation, the Indian government stated that Indian students are being relocated to “safer places” within Iran.

To allow the safe evacuation of foreign nationals, the Iranian authorities have opened all land borders after closing the country’s airspace. To ensure safe passage across the borders, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has requested the Indian authorities to furnish details about the passport numbers and travel plans of the rescued students.

The Iran-Israel conflict has led to airstrikes between the two countries after Israel’s airstrikes on Iran as part of its “Operation Rising Lion.” Both nations have fired hundreds of missiles at each other and hit nuclear bases across both countries. While Israel is determined to escalate its attacks, Iran, too, has warned of a more severe retaliation.

Most of the rescued Indian students are studying at the Shahid Beheshti University and Iran University of Medical Science. Their education has been severely impacted by the ongoing clashes. As the situation continues to be volatile, many Indian students have reached out to the Indian authorities for a safe passage to less affected cities within Iran.

A 22-year-old Indian MBBS student in Tehran named Imtisal Mohidin recollected the terrifying experience of waking up to loud explosions and finding shelter in a basement. The Indian students continue to spend sleepless nights day after day and remain on edge as they anxiously await updates on their rescue.