Iran Eases Land Borders to Facilitate Indian Evacuation
In response to India's appeal for evacuating its citizens, Iran has announced that while its airspace remains closed due to ongoing conflicts, all land borders are open for safe passage. This development comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, where military confrontations have intensified over recent days.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry granted permission for diplomatic missions, including India's, to coordinate the evacuation of their personnel and nationals. Authorities requested India to provide details such as names, passport numbers, vehicle information, intended crossing times, and preferred border exits to ensure seamless and secure transit.
Thousands of Indian Students Stranded Amid Conflict
Over 1,500 Indian students, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir, find themselves stranded across Iranian cities as Israel and Iran exchange missile strikes without signs of de-escalation. India has been proactive, working closely with its Tehran embassy to monitor security conditions.
The Indian Embassy has been assisting students by relocating some to safer locations within Iran and exploring additional options for their safety. An official advisory urges all Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin to remain calm, avoid unnecessary travel, and adhere to local safety instructions.
To streamline communication, the embassy has provided a Google form for citizens to register their details and a dedicated Telegram channel for timely updates, emphasizing the importance of staying connected without panic.
Backdrop: Intensifying Iran-Israel Hostilities
The conflict escalated sharply when Israel initiated "Operation Rising Lion" with a surprise strike targeting Iran's military leadership and nuclear facilities. Iran promptly retaliated with airstrikes, triggering a sustained exchange of missile attacks over several days. Both sides have expressed intentions to escalate further, with Iran vowing decisive retaliation described as "opening the gates of hell."
- Airspace Closed: Iran's airports remain non-operational due to hostilities.
- Land Borders Active: Facilitated crossings available for Indian diplomatic and civilian evacuations.
- Indian Government Action: Continuous monitoring and active coordination with Iranian authorities.
While the situation remains volatile, these steps aim to ensure the safety of Indian nationals caught amid the turmoil. Diplomatic efforts continue to prioritize the secure evacuation of civilians during this precarious phase.
