As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to intensify, India has begun relocating its nationals, including students, from high-risk areas in Iran. The move comes amid growing concerns over the safety of thousands of Indians residing in the region, especially students.
On Monday, June 16, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that its embassy in Tehran is closely monitoring the situation and actively coordinating with Indian nationals to ensure their safety.
“The Indian Embassy in Tehran is continuously monitoring the security situation and engaging Indian students in Iran to ensure their safety,” the MEA said in a statement.
According to the ministry, some students have already been relocated to safer areas within Iran with the direct support of the Indian Embassy. Efforts are also underway to stay in touch with community leaders and Indian associations to assess needs and facilitate communication.
Back home, parents of Indian students in Iran held a demonstration in Srinagar on Sunday, appealing to the government to urgently evacuate their children amid fears of further escalation.
A photograph shared by PTI shows anxious families addressing the media, pleading for swift action.
Iran’s temporary closure of its airspace following retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets has further complicated internal movement, though embassy efforts to relocate Indians are continuing despite logistical challenges.
As of 2022, over 10,000 Indian nationals, including more than 2,000 students, were living in Iran, according to official data cited by AFP. The number is expected to be similar or slightly higher now.
The crisis escalated after Israel launched a wave of attacks on Iran last Friday, prompting retaliatory missile strikes from Tehran, intensifying fears of a broader regional conflict.
India has maintained a neutral diplomatic stance while prioritizing the safety of its citizens, consistent with its approach in previous geopolitical flashpoints.
