Iran assures India of help in evacuating stranded students

Iran has assured India that it will facilitate the evacuation of over 1,500 Indian students stranded across Iranian cities, even as the country remains locked in a war with Israel since June 13. Although Iranian airspace remains closed, Tehran has confirmed that all land borders are open for crossings.

In response to New Delhi's request, Iran's Foreign Ministry said in a statement: "Given the current condition and the closure of the country's airports, as well as the request of many political missions to transfer their diplomats and nationals abroad, we inform that all land borders are open for crossing."

Reports indicate that many Indian students in Tehran are being moved to Qom, about 150 km away, as the conflict intensifies. A large number of these students are medical students from Jammu and Kashmir.

The students were based in cities including Tehran, Shiraz, and Qom. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has urged nationals to remain alert, limit their movements, and follow safety advisories issued by Iranian authorities.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association had earlier appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for urgent action, according to multiple reports. For his part, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also reached out to the MEA regarding the students' safety.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran, meanwhile, has issued several advisories on social media. "Please remember, it is important not to panic, exercise due caution and maintain contact with the Embassy of India in Tehran," it said on X. Emergency contact numbers have been circulated via phone, WhatsApp and Telegram. The embassy has also urged all Indian nationals in Iran to join its Telegram channel for real-time updates.