India relocates students in Iran amid escalating Israeli strikes; safety measures underway
PTC Web Desk: Amid escalating Israeli airstrikes in Iran, the Indian authorities have begun relocating some Indian students to safer areas within the country and are exploring further measures to ensure their security, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday.
In an official statement, the MEA confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Tehran is “continuously monitoring the security situation” and maintaining regular contact with Indian students, especially those from Jammu and Kashmir who form a significant portion of the Indian student community in Iran.
“In some cases, students are being relocated with the embassy’s facilitation to safer places within Iran. Other feasible options are also under examination. Further updates will follow,” the MEA noted, responding to growing concerns from families in India.
Over 4,000 Indian nationals currently reside in Iran, with approximately half of them being students enrolled in medical and professional courses. Many of these students hail from Kashmir and are studying in cities such as Tehran, Shiraz, and Qom due to affordable tuition and cultural similarities.
Concerns escalated after a protest broke out in Srinagar on Sunday, where families urged the Indian government to evacuate students from conflict-affected areas. Protesters claimed that some students are living in cities recently targeted by Israeli military actions.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, addressing the issue on social media, said he had spoken with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who assured him of the government’s proactive approach. "The safety of Indian students, especially those from J&K, remains a top priority," Abdullah posted. He further stated that any decision regarding evacuation will be guided by the on-ground situation in Iran.
The Indian Embassy is also working closely with community leaders to coordinate welfare and safety efforts for all Indian nationals amid the ongoing tensions.
- With inputs from agencies
