As a response to increasing tensions between Israel and Iran, the Indian government has started shifting Indian students out of Tehran to the city of Qom, about 148 kilometers away. An official statement released early Monday announced that authorities would shift Indian nationals in affected areas to safety within Iran.
Over 1,500 Indian students, the majority of whom are from Jammu and Kashmir, are stranded in Iran. A majority of the students study in institutions like Shahid Beheshti University and Iran University of Medical Science.
India had officially asked the Iranian government to enable the safe evacuation of its citizens stranded in Israeli missile-strike hit cities. In response to the appeal, Tehran reaffirmed that while airspace remains shut, land borders are fully functional for the sake of evacuation.
Iran Responds with Evacuation Support
“Considering the current situation and the closure of Iran’s airports, and in response to many of the political missions’ requests to move their diplomats and nationals abroad, we announce that all borders are open for crossing,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced.
Iran also asked the Indian government to provide certain information like names, passport numbers, vehicle details, travel time, and desired exit border through its General Protocol Department for smooth evacuation as well as safe travel.
J&K Government and EAM Intervene on Iran Situation
On Sunday, in a proactive move, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to seek an update and ensure the safety of the Union Territory’s students.
Imtisal Mohidin, a 22-year-old third-year MBBS student at Shahid Beheshti University, recounted the panic that broke out in Tehran, “I woke up at 2:30 am on Friday to loud explosions and ran to the basement. We haven’t slept since,” Mohidin said to ANI.
Military Escalation Continues
The movement is amidst Operation Rising Lion, Israel’s surprise operation initiated on Friday that attacked Iran’s highest-ranking military leaders and most important nuclear sites.
Iran responded by launching hundreds of missiles in a rocketing air war as the two countries threatened each other with further attacks. In response to the ongoing Israeli aggression, meanwhile, Iran has vowed to “open the gates of hell” as retaliation.
