India to evacuate stranded students from Iran, first batch to leave on Thursday; two routes provided

Tehran: Following the Israeli and US attacks on Iran, the entire Middle East region is experiencing conflict. However, amid this conflict, arrangements have been made to evacuate Indian students stranded in Iran. On Thursday, the thirteenth day of the war, the first batch of Indian students will depart Iran via Armenia. It is expected that the first batch will depart for the Armenian border on Thursday, as evacuation plans are gradually being finalized.

How are the Indian students being evacuated?

According to reports, after coordination between Indian students and university administrations, they have been offered two routes for safe evacuation: via Armenia or Azerbaijan. Most of these students are medical students, and the majority of them are residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to information shared with Indian students studying in Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBUMS) have been provided two exit routes for enrolled students. They have been told to leave via either Armenia or Azerbaijan. Officials and student groups are coordinating to ensure that those willing to leave can travel safely to the designated exit points. Arrangements are being made to safely transport them to the border with the help of student organizations and local authorities.

Do some students want to return by flight?

However, some students have decided to return to India by air instead of leaving by land. Many of them have booked FlyDubai flights for March 15, 16, and subsequent days to reach nearby international airports and return directly to India. Meanwhile, at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, where 86 Indian medical students are currently studying, local authorities have suggested a separate evacuation route to facilitate their travel. Under this plan, students can travel to Shiraz-Qom-Baku Airport in Baku, Azerbaijan, from where they can board international flights to India.

Are Thee Growing Concerns Among Students?

Mohammad Momin Khan, President of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) Jammu and Kashmir, said he has been receiving distress calls from Indian students enrolled at Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. According to him, many students are requesting authorities to arrange for evacuation as they fear the situation across the country may not be safe. Khan said, "Students are constantly calling and requesting evacuation because they feel that no part of Iran is safe right now," and also expressed the concerns of students and their families.

Is There Support from Political Representatives?

He also acknowledged the efforts of political representatives who are in touch with the students and coordinating assistance. Khan thanked Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi for his support and help in raising the concerns of Indian students with the relevant authorities. The statement said, "Dr. Khan also thanked Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi for his continued support and coordination in addressing the concerns of Indian students and assisting in their efforts for safe return."

As different batches prepare to leave the country, their families in India are hoping for safe evacuation. Student organizations say that arrangements may be made to evacuate more students in the coming days.