Indian students in Iran begin arranging exit amid safety concerns; first batch set to depart for Armenia border

Indian students studying across various universities in Iran have reportedly started making arrangements to leave the country amid growing safety concerns due to the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with the first batch expected to head towards the Armenia border on Thursday, according to students and associations tracking the developments.Students enrolled at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBUMS) have been offered two evacuation routes, via Armenia or Azerbaijan, as authorities and student organisations work to ensure their safe transit to designated exit points, news agency ANI reported. While some students are preparing to cross land borders, a number have opted to return to India through commercial flights. Many have booked seats on Flydubai flights scheduled for March 15, March 16 and subsequent dates, which would allow them to fly home once they reach a nearby international airport.At Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, where 86 Indian medical students are currently enrolled, local authorities have suggested a separate evacuation pathway. Under this plan, students can travel via Shiraz – Qom – Baku Airport in Azerbaijan, from where they can board international flights back to India.The developments come amid rising concerns regarding safety among Indian students scattered across Iranian universities, many of whom have been in touch with student groups and public representatives seeking help and guidance.Mohammad Momin Khan, President of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) J&K, said he has been receiving numerous distress calls from Indian students at Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.“Students are calling continuously and requesting evacuation as they believe no part of Iran is currently safe,” Khan said, highlighting the fears being expressed by students and their families.He also acknowledged the coordination efforts of political representatives, expressing gratitude to Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Member of Parliament, for his constant support and coordination in addressing the concerns of Indian students and assisting in efforts to facilitate their safe return.”With multiple batches preparing to depart in the coming days, students and families remain hopeful that arrangements for safe passage will continue to improve.The ministry of external affairs (MEA) on Wednesday said the government is working to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian citizens stranded in West Asia amid escalating tensions.Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in the region, MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in Tehran remains fully operational and is on high alert. He said the government is assisting Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims, who wish to leave the country.Jaiswal added that Indians opting to exit Iran by land are being helped by the embassy to cross into Armenia and Azerbaijan, from where they can take commercial flights back to India.“Others continue to be there. Our embassy is in regular touch with them. We have also relocated some students and other visitors, pilgrims, to different cities to ensure their safety. We are also assisting--our embassy in Tehran is assisting--people who want to make a land border crossing and go into Armenia and Azerbaijan, and from there take the commercial flights to come back home. So that option is also available to those who want to take and take advantage of that. And we have been helping these people,” he said, news agency ANI reported.He also urged Indian nationals to follow official advisories and remain in contact with Indian embassies and consulates, while assuring that the government is closely monitoring the situation and extending necessary assistance to the Indian community in the region.