Srinagar, Mar 04: Dozens of Indian students were relocated from Tehran to the city of Qom, about 140 km south of the capital, on Tuesday following joint US-Israel strikes on Iran. The move aims to place students in a safer area amid rising tensions and airspace closures.
Most of the students, primarily from Jammu & Kashmir, are enrolled at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, and Iran University of Medical Sciences.
Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan, national representative of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), said the Indian Embassy in Tehran coordinated the relocation to ensure their safety. “They were shifted in five buses and safely reached Qom. Plans are underway to move other students in different parts of Iran,” he said, expressing gratitude to the embassy authorities.
AIMSA urged concerned parents and well-wishers to remain calm. “We are in constant contact with authorities to ensure the safety of every Indian student,” the association added.
The relocation comes as Iranian airspace, along with that of neighboring countries, remains closed, making immediate air evacuation impossible.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) confirmed that Indian students in Tehran were moved to Qom as a precaution. JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami said Tehran is among the most affected cities, and the Indian Embassy has implemented a structured relocation process due to security concerns.
Khuehami added that all Indian students in Tehran, including those from J&K, are safe. While parental anxiety remains high, the relocation has provided families with relief and reassurance.
The MEA and Indian Embassy in Tehran are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating arrangements to safeguard Indian nationals. Further steps, including possible evacuation, may be taken in the coming days depending on airspace reopening and evolving security conditions.
The Embassy of India in Tehran issued an advisory noting that most Indian students have been moved to safer locations outside Tehran, with arrangements made for transportation, food, and accommodation. Only a small number of students who declined the offer remain in the city.
The advisory urged all Indian nationals in Iran to remain indoors, avoid protests or demonstrations, and stay in regular contact with the embassy. Emergency contact numbers were also provided: +989128109115, +989128109109, +989128109102, +989932179359, and email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in.
An estimated 9,000 Indian nationals, including nearly 1,000 Kashmiri students, remain in Iran as escalating bombings continue to raise concerns across India. (Agency)
