Indian Nationals Stranded in Iran and Israel Amid Escalating Military Conflict

In a major step under India’s evacuation initiative Operation Sindhu, a special flight carrying 290 Indian students—primarily from Jammu and Kashmir—landed safely in New Delhi late Friday night.

This mission was launched by the Indian government to evacuate its citizens from Iran and Israel as hostilities in the region intensified.

The students had been relocated from Tehran to Mashhad following recent Israeli airstrikes. The evacuation was carried out via Iranian carrier Mahan Air, coordinated with assistance from the Indian government.

Iran Allows Special Evacuation Flights

In a notable diplomatic move, Iran temporarily lifted its airspace restrictions to permit three special flights to aid the evacuation.

Despite its airspace being officially closed, Iran made an exception for India. Friday’s flight marked the first of these special operations.

Two more flights, one from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and another scheduled later in the day, are expected to bring the total number of evacuees to nearly 1,000.

“We are extremely thankful to the Government of India, the Ministry of External Affairs, and all concerned authorities for their swift and timely action. It’s a huge relief for families who were living in anxiety,” the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association said in a statement.

Thousands Still Stranded

While this flight brought relief to many, thousands of Indian nationals—mostly students—remain stranded in Iran. On Thursday, 110 students were rerouted via Armenia and Doha before reaching Delhi safely.

Iranian embassy’s deputy chief of mission, Mohammad Javad Hosseini, confirmed continued support. “We consider Indians as our own. Though our airspace is officially closed, we are making exceptions for the safe evacuation of Indian nationals,” he said during a media briefing.

India Responds Swiftly to Crisis

Tehran responded on Monday to New Delhi’s request for safe passage for the evacuation of approximately 10,000 Indian students stranded in Iran, as Israeli airstrikes targeted major cities.

In response, Iran suggested students could cross land borders into Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan since its airspace remained closed for commercial flights.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran reassured students that it was closely monitoring the security situation and was working to move them to safer areas.

“In some cases, students are being relocated with the Embassy’s facilitation to safer places within Iran. Other feasible options are also under examination. Further updates will follow,” read a statement issued on Sunday.

Incident at Tehran Dormitory and Plea for Help

The dangers were further highlighted when two Indian students from Kashmir were injured in an attack near the boys’ dormitory at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Fortunately, both students are in stable condition and were relocated to Ramsar for safety.

One student, Imtisal Mohidin, studying MBBS at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, spoke to ANI and shared the tense atmosphere on the ground.

“I woke up at 2:30 am on Friday to loud explosions and rushed to the basement. We haven’t slept since,” she said. Imtisal hails from Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir and reported that over 350 Indian students are currently studying at her university.

Political Leaders Call for Immediate Action

In response to the situation, the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to facilitate the evacuation of students from the region.

“Urgent action needed by @DrSJaishankar to evacuate J&K students studying in Iran amid escalating tensions and volatile situation,” JKPCC president Tariq Hameed Karra posted on X.

Similarly, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party appealed to students to contact the Indian embassy in Tehran. PDP leader Iltija Mufti shared embassy contact numbers and encouraged stranded students to reach out.

More Flights and Evacuation Options Ahead

Iranian diplomat Hosseini reiterated that additional flights could be arranged if needed. He mentioned that around 10,000 Indians currently reside in Iran, and arrangements are being made to bring back those who wish to return. “We consider Indian nationals to be our own people. They are like Iranians,” he said.

According to him, the first flight was to land in Delhi on Friday night, with two more flights scheduled on Saturday. All three chartered flights are operated by Mahan Air and are a result of coordination between the Indian government and Iranian authorities.

Hosseini also noted that alternatives, including evacuation via land through third countries or direct flights, are being explored in close coordination with India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the embassy in Tehran.