- Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Amid growing hostilities between Israel and Iran, 110 Indian students—mostly from Kashmir—have been evacuated from Tehran to Armenia, as the Indian government issues advisories and sets up emergency helplines for nationals in the region.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
As tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, the safety of Indian nationals in the region has become a top priority for Indian authorities. In a swift response, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has moved students out of the city, with 110 Indian students successfully crossing into Armenia as part of coordinated evacuation efforts.
Fear and Uncertainty Among Indian Students
Indian students in Tehran have been living in fear, many trapped in basements with limited communication as alarms and missile strikes disrupt daily life. Mehreen Zaffar, a third-year MBBS student at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, described the anxiety:
“We are scared. We have been calling for help but nothing is happening… We have been kept in a basement for safety purposes but we are scared. Since the internet is weak, we are unable to even contact our family members. Back home, they are worried for our safety.”
VIDEO | Indian students moved out of Tehran for safety reasons. Muskaan Shabir, a student at Iran’s Urmia University of Medical Sciences, was among the 110 students evacuated to Armenia. Here’s what she had to say:
“110 Indian students from the University of Urmia have been… pic.twitter.com/jqjNASn0vc
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 17, 2025
Many students are desperately awaiting evacuation flights, with their families in India anxiously hoping for their safe return.
Embassy-Led Evacuation to Armenia
The Indian Embassy, in coordination with Iranian authorities, facilitated the evacuation of around 110 students, including several from Kashmir, from Urmia Medical University and other institutions. These students have safely crossed the Iran-Armenia border and reached Yerevan, where they are being accommodated by the Embassy. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, 90 of the evacuated students are from the Kashmir Valley.
“We were in Urmia which was relatively safe. We have reached Armenia,” said Huzaif Malik, a student from Urmia University of Medical Sciences.
The first batch of evacuated students is expected to fly to Delhi soon, with all necessary arrangements being made in coordination with Indian authorities.
Ongoing Relocation and Advisory for Indian Nationals
In addition to the evacuation to Armenia, more Indian students have been relocated from Tehran to the city of Qom, considered a safer location amid ongoing missile strikes. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised other Indian residents who are self-sufficient in terms of transport to move out of Tehran as a precaution.
“Other residents who are self-sufficient in terms of transport have also been advised to move out of the city in view of the developing situation,” the MEA stated.
Some Indian nationals have also been helped to leave Iran via the land border with Armenia, and further advisories may be issued as the situation develops.
По меньшей мере 100 индийских студентов из Урмии в Иране добрались до Армении и ждут возвращения в страну. Студенты вылетят в Нью-Дели 18 июня pic.twitter.com/Y0ZLgBRGZr
— миллиард казахстанцев (@S8gy2AEgVRHyS2Q) June 18, 2025
Parental Concerns and Calls for Faster Evacuation
Back in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, parents of students stranded in Iran have expressed deep concern and called for a faster evacuation process.
“There is no point in relocation; there has to be immediate evacuation because relocation is a slow process. We want it fast-tracked without further delay. Our children are suffering, facing panic attacks, and as parents, we cannot bear it,” said Neelofar, a parent from Rainawari.
Embassy Helplines and Government Response
To address the crisis, the MEA has set up a 24×7 control room in New Delhi and emergency helplines at the Embassy of India in Tehran. The Embassy continues to monitor the situation closely and remains in touch with the Indian community to provide all feasible assistance.
The Indian Embassy in Israel has also issued advisories, urging Indian nationals to stay vigilant and adhere to safety protocols, and has provided information on land border crossing options for those wishing to exit Israel.
Diplomatic Coordination and Map Controversy
Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar confirmed that Israel is coordinating with the MEA regarding any requests for evacuation of Indian nationals from Israel, offering terrestrial and maritime options for those wishing to leave.
Azar also addressed a recent controversy over an Israeli military map that incorrectly depicted Jammu and Kashmir, stating,
“We are doing (making) an effort now to stop using bad maps… It doesn’t have anything to do with India’s border, we respect…”
The Israeli military has since apologized for the error, clarifying that the image “fails to precisely depict borders.”
Situation Remains Fluid
With the situation in West Asia rapidly evolving, Indian authorities continue to prioritize the safety of their nationals, urging vigilance and preparedness for further evacuation measures as needed
