As tensions soar in the Middle East due to Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, over 1,500 Indian students find themselves trapped in a state of fear and uncertainty. The Congress party has sharply criticized the Indian government’s response, accusing it of issuing “passive advisories” instead of taking decisive action to evacuate these students. With Tehran’s airspace closed, flights suspended, and internet access disrupted, the situation grows increasingly dire. Here’s a detailed look at the crisis and the urgent need for a coordinated evacuation plan.
A Growing Crisis for Indian Students
The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, marked by Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and military sites, has left foreign nationals, including Indian students, in a precarious position. Many of these students, predominantly from Jammu and Kashmir and pursuing fields like medicine, engineering, and religious studies, are stranded in Tehran and other parts of Iran. The closure of Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, coupled with internet disruptions, has severed communication lines and heightened panic among students and their families back home.
In a post on X, Congress leader Pawan Khera highlighted the students’ plight: “With flights suspended, airspace over Tehran closed, and internet access disrupted, more than 1,500 Indian students are left in a state of precarity and uncertainty—with no information about evacuation or safe zones.” Students have reported sleepless nights, with missiles striking near their residences, amplifying their trauma. One student’s desperate plea shared on X read, “We are stuck in Iran, scared and sleepless for 3 nights. The embassy is unresponsive while other nationalities are being evacuated.”
Congress Slams Government’s “Unresponsive” Approach
The Congress party has accused the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Modi government of failing to act swiftly. Khera criticized the Indian Embassy in Tehran for issuing a “generic advisory” that urges students to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movements, and follow local safety protocols. The advisory, posted on X by the embassy, also included a Google form for Indian nationals to register their details and a Telegram link for updates, alongside emergency contact numbers (+98 9128109115 and +98 9128109109).
However, Khera argued that these measures fall short, stating, “The Indian Embassy in Iran remains unresponsive: ‘We are traumatized after last night’s attack. There has been no response from the Indian Embassy. Our families are panicking.’” He further alleged that the government has a history of delayed responses during international crises, citing past evacuations from Sudan and Ukraine as examples of “propaganda opportunities” rather than efficient operations.
The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) and other regional leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and MP Agha Ruhullah, have echoed these concerns, urging External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to prioritize the students’ safety.
Government’s Efforts: A Work in Progress?
The Indian government has acknowledged the crisis, with reports indicating that the MEA is working on evacuation plans. The administration has collected details of approximately 1,300 Kashmiri students studying in Iran, suggesting efforts to organize a response. The embassy’s advisory emphasizes the importance of registering with the mission, and students have been encouraged to contact the embassy via WhatsApp or emergency lines.
Parents and the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) have also appealed for urgent intervention, proposing evacuation routes via the Persian Gulf, land transit through Turkey or the UAE, or special flights once airspace restrictions ease. However, the lack of concrete updates on evacuation timelines has fueled frustration among families and students.
The Path Forward: A Call for Action
The Congress party, alongside political leaders and student associations, is pressing the MEA to establish a robust evacuation mechanism. Khera emphasized the need for “emergency response teams, real-time communication channels, and logistic support” to ensure safe exits before the situation worsens. The JKSA has stressed that a comprehensive evacuation plan must be ready, warning that “timely evacuation could mean the difference between life and death.”
The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict shows no signs of de-escalation, with both nations exchanging missile attacks and Israel targeting critical Iranian infrastructure. This volatile environment underscores the urgency of evacuating Indian students, many of whom are traumatized and vulnerable.
How You Can Help
For Indian nationals in Iran, the embassy has provided the following resources:
- Emergency Contacts: +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109
- Registration: Fill out the Google form to provide details.
- Updates: Join the embassy’s Telegram channel for real-time information.
- Safety: Follow local authorities’ protocols and avoid unnecessary travel.
Families and supporters in India are urged to amplify the students’ calls for help on social media and contact their local representatives to advocate for swift government action.
A Humanitarian Imperative
The plight of over 1,500 Indian students in Iran is a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention. While the Indian government has taken initial steps, the Congress party and affected families argue that passive advisories are insufficient. A coordinated, transparent, and swift evacuation plan is critical to bringing these students home safely. As the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, the window for action is narrowing. The government must act decisively to protect its citizens and restore confidence among their families.
Have you followed this developing story? Share your thoughts or any updates you’ve heard about the students’ situation in the comments below.
