Lucknow: Dozens of Indian students studying in various Iranian universities, along with groups of pilgrims, are reportedly stranded in Iran due to escalating tensions in the region. Their families in India are expressing significant distress and have urgently appealed to the Indian government for immediate assistance and safe repatriation. Over 100 Indian students from northern Iran have already been evacuated to Armenia and subsequently flown to New Delhi under 'Operation Sindhu' as of early Thursday.
Students have communicated their plight through video messages and social media, describing an atmosphere of fear and a lack of essential services and communication channels. They report that local conditions have become extremely precarious, with university administrations failing to provide clear guidance. Many students are facing dwindling resources for accommodation and food, intensifying their families' anxieties back home. Some evacuated students have described seeing missiles and drones, and stated that the situation in places like Tehran is "bad" and "critical."
The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a statement confirming that the Indian Embassy in Iran is in contact with the students and is taking all necessary steps to ensure their safety.
The Ministry has advised students to exercise restraint and adhere to the instructions of local authorities until the situation normalizes.
Meanwhile, Maulana Haider Abbas stated that while conditions resemble a state of conflict, everything remains under control, and there are no immediate issues concerning the well-being of pilgrims or convoys. He clarified that his continuous communication with individuals in Iran indicates that anxieties regarding their safety are unfounded, with the only real challenge being travel arrangements.
This situation underscores the critical need for robust and swift action by the Indian government to support its citizens abroad during emergencies. Families are particularly eager for the government to arrange special flights to bring their children home, allowing them to continue their education in a secure environment.
Box Assistance for pilgrims stranded in Iraq
For pilgrims stranded in Iraq due to the Iran-Israel conflict, arrangements for food and accommodation have been made at Mawqib Pole Number 655
Contact for assistance:
Iraq: +964-7714 7214 14
India: +91 98250 62114
