Indian Students Relocated as Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates
Amid soaring tensions between Israel and Iran, hundreds of Indian students studying in Tehran are being evacuated to safer nearby cities. The escalating conflict has prompted urgent measures to protect these students from potential missile attacks.
Universities and Student Demographics
Tehran hosts several universities with significant Indian student populations, including Shahid Beheshti University, University of Tehran, and Iran University of Medical Sciences. Most of these students hail from Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and other Indian states. Notably, a large number of the evacuated students are women.
Evacuation Logistics: Tehran to Qom
Evacuations are being coordinated by the Indian Embassy, with students transported by bus to the city of Qom, approximately 148 kilometers from Tehran. These efforts aim to move students away from immediate danger zones as the conflict intensifies.
Sheikh Azhan, a student representative from Shahid Beheshti University, described the challenges faced during evacuation: "We are about 40 students per bus, all Indians, being moved from Tehran. Traffic is heavily congested as many residents try to leave the city simultaneously, causing considerable delays."
Communication and Safety Concerns
Zakir Sheikh, another student spokesperson, confirmed ongoing communication with the Indian Embassy but noted uncertainty about future plans: "We have been informed about the relocation, but there is no confirmation on when or if we will return to India yet." Despite some reports of minor injuries among students from the University of Tehran, all have regrouped and continue evacuation procedures.
Student Experiences Amid Crisis
Students recall sleepless nights punctuated by explosions in and around Tehran. Amid this chaos, universities have extended considerable support, with many expressing gratitude for their administrations' cooperation.
"We left our campuses in a hurry, without proper meals. The situation remains tense, and our primary concern is safety," Azhan shared. Female students, though reluctant to speak, are reported to be anxious but managing as best as they can under the circumstances.
Next Steps and Ongoing Monitoring
The Indian Embassy continues to monitor the situation closely, with evacuation destinations tailored based on universities' locations within Tehran. Students from northern Tehran are being moved to different safe zones than those from the western and southern parts of the city.
Authorities are evaluating conditions daily to decide whether students will be brought back to Tehran or repatriated to India once it is deemed safe.
Contextual Overview: Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict
Recent missile strikes by Iran have caused substantial damage in Tel Aviv, prompting retaliatory warnings from Israel against Iranian cities, including Tehran. As a result, many residents and foreign nationals are fleeing the capital in anticipation of possible missile attacks.
Summary
- Indian students from multiple universities in Tehran are being evacuated to Qom amid the Israel-Iran conflict.
- Most students originate from Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, with a majority being women.
- Evacuation is complicated by severe traffic congestion as many attempt to exit Tehran.
- The Indian Embassy is coordinating relocation efforts while final plans for repatriation remain pending.
