New Delhi, June 16: With the rapidly escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, the Government of India has stepped up efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens in the region, particularly the more than 1,500 Indian students stranded in various parts of Iran.
In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is “closely monitoring” the volatile security situation in the Middle East following days of intense hostilities between the two regional powers.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, via social media platform X, confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Tehran is actively engaging with Indian nationals—especially students—to ensure their safety. “In some cases, students are being relocated with the Embassy’s facilitation to safer places within Iran,” the statement said, adding that “other feasible options are also under examination.”
The statement also emphasized that the Embassy is in touch with Indian community leaders across Iran and is maintaining constant communication with affected individuals.
The MEA’s comments came shortly after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah contacted External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar regarding the plight of students from the Union Territory who are stuck in Iran. A majority of these students are pursuing professional courses, predominantly MBBS, in cities like Tehran, Shiraz, and Qom.
Worried parents of the stranded students have made appeals to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dr. Jaishankar, urging swift intervention and repatriation of their children.
The Indian Embassy in Iran has urged all Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin to remain calm, exercise caution, and stay connected with the Embassy. In a recent advisory, the mission shared a Google form on its X account for Indian citizens in Iran to register their details. It also created a dedicated Telegram channel to provide real-time updates on the security situation.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Israel is also monitoring developments closely and has assured that it remains in contact with local authorities.
Helpline numbers have been issued by both the Indian missions in Iran and Israel to facilitate direct communication with concerned nationals.
The developments follow a dramatic turn in the region after Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” early Friday, targeting senior Iranian military leaders and damaging key nuclear infrastructure. Iran has since retaliated with air strikes, resulting in a barrage of missile exchanges between the two nations over the past three days.
As fears of a wider regional war mount, both sides have issued strong warnings. While Israel has vowed to intensify its campaign, Iran has threatened to “open the gates of hell” in response.
India is expected to release further advisories as the situation evolves. In the interim, Indian nationals in the region are strongly advised to remain alert, limit unnecessary movement, and follow official guidance from diplomatic missions.
The intensifying conflict has not only heightened global diplomatic tensions but also triggered anxiety among foreign nationals residing in the region, including the sizable Indian diaspora.
