Iran-Israel conflict: Indian students relocated to safer places in Iran
Representational image. Smoke billows following an explosion in central Tehran | AFP
Indian students studying in Iran were relocated to safer locations today as Israeli attacks on Iran intensified.
According to students who spoke to THE WEEK, the Indian Embassy arranged buses early morning for their relocation.
All Indian students, including those from Kashmir, boarded buses from Gate No. 2, Velenjak. This included students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, whether living in dormitories or private apartments.
The Embassy had stated that no Indian student should remain in either boys’ or girls’ hostels or in private accommodations.
The growing tensions have caused serious concern among the families of Indian students back home.
Currently, hundreds of Indian students—around 1,500 from Kashmir alone—are enrolled in various medical colleges across Iran.
On Sunday, a group of parents of Kashmiri students studying in Iran appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for immediate evacuation. The parents held a peaceful protest before dispersing.
Shuail Qadri, whose son and daughter are both studying MBBS in Iran, expressed his concern but also praised the government’s prompt response.
“The MEA has arranged for the relocation of Indian students to safer places today,” he said. “They were escorted by security, but the exact location has not been disclosed for safety reasons.”
He added, “The Indian Embassy in Tehran has been very helpful. We are confident that the Government of India will eventually evacuate all Indians from Iran, just as it did during Operation Ganga when students were rescued from Ukraine after the Russian invasion.”
Rouf Bhat, uncle of two Kashmiri students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), confirmed that all Indian students from TUMS had been shifted to safer locations.
“They have been moved somewhere in the north of Iran,” he said. “From there, they may be able to travel to a neighbouring country on their way home.”
He said he had spoken to both his nephew and niece, and they were safe.
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