As the Israel-Iran conflict escalates into a full-blown military confrontation, India has stepped up efforts to protect its nationals stranded in the region.
Today, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with his Armenian counterpart, discussing the rapidly deteriorating situation and India’s close coordination with neighbouring countries to secure safe passage for its citizens.
Spoke with FM @AraratMirzoyan of Armenia.
Discussed ongoing developments in the region and our close cooperation.
🇮🇳 🇦🇲
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 16, 2025
This comes as the Indian government issued an advisory urging all Indian nationals, regardless of visa category, to leave Tehran immediately via land routes. With Iranian airspace shut due to ongoing missile attacks, officials say evacuation by air is not currently an option.
In a clear directive, Indian authorities underlined that no foreigner—irrespective of relationship or marital status—will be allowed to accompany Indian citizens during the evacuation process. Tehran has assured New Delhi that while airports are closed, land borders remain open and safe for evacuation.
Students Begin Relocation From Tehran
The Indian embassy in Tehran, in collaboration with Iranian authorities, has begun relocating Indian students from the capital to safer areas. Buses have already been deployed to evacuate students from:
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences
- Iran University of Medical Sciences
- Islamic Azad University Tehran Medical Sciences
Sources confirmed that relocation efforts will soon extend to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tajrish and Urmia University of Medical Sciences, both situated closer to Iran’s western and northwestern borders.
Indian officials have strongly advised students to board the buses immediately, underlining the worsening security conditions in the capital. Relocation from the city of Qom has also begun.
Land, Sea Evacuation Plans Under Review
With airspace restrictions still in place, Indian officials are actively exploring alternate evacuation options:
- A possible maritime evacuation via the southern port of Bandar Abbas
- Overland routes through Azerbaijan, Armenia and potentially Afghanistan
Iranian authorities have asked for advance details—including passport numbers, vehicle specs and border exit points—for coordination and safety.
An official familiar with the developments said: “The focus is on moving students and professionals to safer zones inside Iran, while contingency evacuation plans are being worked out in collaboration with neighbouring countries.”
Tehran Responds Positively
In response to India’s formal request for evacuation, Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement confirming its support. “Given the current condition and the closure of airports, we confirm that all land borders remain open. Diplomatic missions, including India’s, may coordinate safe exit through designated crossings.”
Iran has also assured full cooperation for the evacuation of Indian diplomats and civilians, provided their details are submitted in advance for clearance.
Thousands Stranded
An estimated 1,500 Indian students, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir, remain stuck in various Iranian cities. Calls are mounting for a temporary pause in hostilities to allow humanitarian evacuation efforts to proceed safely.
Indian authorities say that while some border options are being evaluated, immediate priorities include relocation to safer areas within Iran, followed by phased exits depending on ground realities.
“The embassy is monitoring the security situation closely. Some students have already been moved, and other feasible options are being examined,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
Embassy Issues Fresh Advisory
The Indian embassy in Tehran has urged nationals to:
- Remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel
- Register using an online Google Form
- Join the official Telegram channel for verified updates
- Stay connected with embassy officials
“Please do not panic. Remain calm and maintain contact with us. We are doing everything possible to ensure your safety,” read the embassy’s advisory.
Israel-Iran Conflict: Tensions Soar
The evacuation efforts come against the backdrop of Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, launched with a surprise airstrike on Friday targeting Iran’s top military leadership and nuclear infrastructure. Iran has responded with waves of missile and drone attacks, plunging the region into its most volatile crisis in years.
While international calls for restraint are growing, both nations have signalled that further military action is likely.
