- By Supratik Das
- Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:11 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Israel-Iran War: As tensions continue to escalate between Israel and Iran following a wave of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military infrastructure, the Indian government has stepped up efforts to protect its citizens, especially Indian students who are pursuing their studies across Iranian universities. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asserted that the Indian Embassy in Tehran is in "constant touch" with the community of Indian students and is keeping a close eye on the security situation in real-time.
“The Indian Embassy in Tehran is continuously monitoring the security situation and engaging Indian students in Iran to ensure their safety,” read the MEA statement. With reported airstrikes close to residential neighborhoods and university hostels, the Embassy has begun moving some of India's students to safer regions of the country. “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 said, hinting at a possible evacuation in case of further deterioration of the situation. The Embassy is also coordinating with local community leaders to offer mental and logistical support to Indian nationals.
'We Are Stuck Inside': Indian Students Call For Help
Students in Tehran, especially those enrolled at Shahid Beheshti University, described harrowing scenes of bombardment and sleepless nights. Slow internet and limited Iranian airspace access have caused connectivity issues for people back home to keep in touch with their children. "We are stuck inside our apartment basement. We hear blasts every night. One of the explosions was just 5 km away. We haven't slept in three days," said Imtisal Mohidin, a third-year MBBS student from Handwara, Jammu and Kashmir. According to Imtisal, over 350 Indian students are currently enrolled at Shahid Beheshti University, which is an Indian medical aspirant's favorite institution for its low-cost and well-known MBBS course. Notably, three Iranian nuclear scientists, who were killed in Israel's attack in Iran, were professors at Shahid Beheshti University. “We request the Government of India to evacuate us before the situation worsens. The Embassy is in touch, but we are frightened and need to go home,” he told ANI over the phone.
In Kerman, a city considered comparatively safer than Tehran, anxiety is growing. Faizan Nabi, a first-year MBBS student at Kerman University of Medical Sciences from Srinagar, said panic has reached even the more peaceful regions. "We heard gunshots in our city today. My friends in Tehran are terrified. We were advised to store drinking water for 3-4 days. That's how bad it is," Faizan said. "I've been getting 10 calls a day from my parents. The internet is so slow that I can't even send a WhatsApp message quickly. We came here to become doctors. Now we're just trying to stay alive," he added. Midhat, a fourth-year medical student at Iran University of Medical Science, called the first night of airstrikes "the most horrifying" experience of her life. "The blasts were not far, just a few kilometres away. Everyone was panicking. My family keeps checking on me. We're constantly monitoring the news," said the student from Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir. She added that while the Indian Embassy has been reaching out to students via WhatsApp, university support remains minimal.
Advisory Released, Telegram Channel Initiated For Updates
To coordinate, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has asked all present Indian citizens to remain at home and track official updates."We request everyone in Iran to join the below given Telegram link below to receive updates on the situation from the Embassy. Kindly note that this Telegram link is ONLY for those Indian nationals who are currently in Iran," it said in a post on X. The Embassy tweeted on X.
Ex-Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to X (formerly Twitter) that he had called External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to request immediate action. “Just spoke to Dr S. Jaishankar regarding the situation in Iran, particularly the welfare and safety of Kashmiri students in the country,” Abdullah wrote. He added that the MEA has assured ongoing coordination with Iranian authorities to ensure student safety. With Iranian airspace remaining under tight control and no sign of immediate de-escalation, students are now urging the Indian government to organize evacuation flights at the earliest. The Indian government continues to assess the situation and has assured the public that the safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad remain a top priority.