Srinagar, Feb 28: As tensions erupt in the Middle East, Indian students in Iran said they are facing an unprecedented situation following renewed military strikes by Israel on Iranian cities, including Tehran and Urmieh.
The Indians caught in the escalating tension recalled hearing explosions, seeing rising smoke and emergency measures in the capital, which have heightened fear and uncertainty among foreign nationals, especially Indian students pursuing medical and professional courses.
In a video message, Mehak Hussain, an MBBS student from Zadibal, Srinagar, described the tense situation.
“The embassy advised us to leave immediately, but our university did not allow us. There is panic everywhere. We request the Indian government to take urgent steps for evacuation,” she said.
Mehak added, “We urgently request the Indian government and the embassy to take immediate action to evacuate all Indian students and citizens before the situation worsens.”
Pertinently, when tensions erupted between Iran and Israel in June 2025, India had launched ‘Operation Sindhu’ to evacuate its citizens from conflict-affected areas, bringing back thousands of Indian nationals, many of them students, safely to India.
As fresh tensions emerged, the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) raised alarm over the escalating violence in Tehran, stressing the need for immediate evacuation and protection of Indian nationals.
“We urge External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to take proactive measures to safeguard all Indian citizens in the region, ensure timely communication with students and families, and issue clear advisories,” said Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, AIMSA National Representative and President J&K.
AIMSA further reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of Indian students abroad and stressed that a swift and transparent government response is critical to protect students and reassure anxious families.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking urgent intervention to ensure the safety, academic protection and possible evacuation of Indian students in Iran.
“The rapidly evolving security environment has created fear, uncertainty and grave risks for thousands of Indian students, many from Kashmir, pursuing MBBS and allied courses. Coordinated diplomatic engagement and structured contingency planning are now imperative,” said Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of JKSA.
JKSA also highlighted the emotional toll on families in Kashmir and urged the government to coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Tehran, Iranian authorities and university administrations to provide safe transit corridors if needed.
It is important to mention that the Israel-Iran conflict, which escalated in June 2025, intensified again this week with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites. Iran reportedly responded with countermeasures, causing civilian alarm, communication disruptions and concerns among foreign nationals—(KNO)
