3,000 Indian students stranded in Iran, PM urged for evacuation

3,000 Indian students, including 1,200 from Kashmir, are stranded in Iran amid US-Israel strikes. The J&K Students’ Union has urged PM Modi for urgent evacuation

The Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Union has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate an urgent evacuation of Indian students stranded in Iran amid escalating tensions following military strikes by Israel and the US. The union’s national convener, Nasir Khuehami, highlighted that around 3,000 Indian students are currently in Iran, including nearly 1,200 from Kashmir, and many are deeply anxious about their safety.

Khuehami emphasized that students are hearing bomb sounds every 15 minutes, creating a disturbing atmosphere. One student, Ayesha, told ANI that despite the Indian embassy’s advice to leave, universities have refused cooperation, warning students they would fail if they departed before exams. She added that universities, hospitals, and other facilities have been closed for over two weeks, leaving students dependent on embassy guidance, though airspace closures have complicated evacuation efforts.

The Indian embassy in Tehran has repeatedly urged nationals to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay indoors. Nearly half of the Indian students have already returned since the advisory issued on February 23, but many stayed back to appear for crucial medical exams scheduled on March 5. Faizan Nabi, coordinator of the Iranian Students’ Union, noted that students did not anticipate the sudden surge in conflict.

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Most of the stranded Indians are medical students enrolled across Iranian universities, with a large proportion from Jammu and Kashmir, alongside students from Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and other states. Many choose Iran for affordable tuition and accessible MBBS programs compared to India.

The students’ union has urged the government to open diplomatic channels and prepare a full-scale evacuation plan if the situation worsens, stressing that immediate action is vital to ensure the safety of Indian nationals.

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