KKN Gurugram Desk | Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of Indian nationals stranded in the conflict zone, particularly in Iran and Iraq. Owaisi revealed that 1,595 Indian students, including 140 medical students, are currently in Iran, while 183 Indian pilgrims are reportedly stuck in Iraq.

This statement comes at a time when the geopolitical situation in the Middle East is becoming increasingly volatile, sparking fears of regional instability and its implications for Indian citizens residing or traveling in the region.

 Rising Concerns Amid Iran-Israel War: Indian Citizens at Risk

The ongoing Iran-Israel war has intensified in recent weeks, with multiple reports of missile strikes, drone attacks, and rising civilian casualties. As the conflict deepens, Indian lawmakers and the public alike are growing increasingly worried about the wellbeing of their compatriots caught in the middle of this high-stakes confrontation.

Asaduddin Owaisi, known for his vocal stance on international human rights and minority issues, took to social media and public platforms to urge the Indian government to take immediate action for the safe evacuation and protection of Indian nationals in the war-affected region.

“Over 1,500 Indian students, including future doctors, are currently stranded in Iran amid rising tensions. We cannot afford to ignore their plight,” Owaisi said.

?? Breakdown of Indian Nationals in the Region

 In Iran:

• 1,595 Indian students stranded

• Of them, 140 are medical students, pursuing higher education in Iranian universities

 In Iraq:

• 183 Indian pilgrims, part of religious and cultural visits, are currently unable to return due to escalating tensions and travel restrictions

These figures underscore the magnitude of the situation, especially as both Iran and Iraq are grappling with the ripple effects of the ongoing conflict, including airspace disruptions, curfews, and internal unrest.

 Medical Students in Iran: Vulnerable and Anxious

Among the most vulnerable are the medical students studying in cities like Tehran, Qom, and Shiraz. Most of these students belong to middle-class families from various Indian states, who have invested heavily in their education abroad. Their families are growing increasingly anxious, as many of them have lost regular contact due to internet disruptions and local restrictions.

Students are reportedly struggling with:

• Limited access to essentials

• Lack of clear communication from the Indian Embassy

• Insecurity due to rising military activity in nearby regions

Several parents have taken to social media, pleading with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to initiate an emergency evacuation plan similar to Operation Ganga during the Ukraine crisis.

 Religious Pilgrims in Iraq: Stranded Amid Turmoil

The situation in Iraq is no less concerning. 183 Indian pilgrims, many of whom are elderly, have found themselves stranded in cities like Najaf and Karbala, which are deeply significant to Shia Muslims. With air travel being suspended in certain areas and security conditions deteriorating, their safe return remains uncertain.

Local reports suggest that the pilgrims are:

• Staying in temporary accommodations

• Running short on medicines and essentials

• Dependent on local organizers and religious networks for safety

Relatives back in India have begun reaching out to MPs and the Ministry of External Affairs, demanding immediate diplomatic intervention.

?? Government’s Response: Awaited and Urgently Needed

As of now, the Indian government has not issued any formal statement on evacuation plans or contingency measures for its citizens stuck in the Middle East conflict zone. However, MEA officials have stated they are “closely monitoring the situation” and are in touch with embassies in Tehran and Baghdad.

AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi has demanded:

• Transparent communication from the MEA

• A dedicated helpline for affected families

• Immediate repatriation measures for students and pilgrims

“We cannot repeat the mistakes of past crises. Every Indian life abroad matters. The government must act now,” Owaisi emphasized during a press interaction.

 Geopolitical Context: Why This Conflict Matters for India

The Iran-Israel conflict has wide-reaching consequences, not only for the Middle East but also for countries like India that maintain strategic relations with both nations.

India’s Interests in the Region:

• Energy Security: India imports significant quantities of oil from the region

• Diaspora Impact: Millions of Indian workers reside in Gulf countries

• Educational & Religious Ties: Thousands of Indian students and pilgrims travel to Iran and Iraq annually

Any escalation in this conflict could jeopardize India’s diplomatic balancing act and affect regional stability, oil prices, and security of its citizens abroad.

 What Next? Urgent Need for Action

Given the worsening security situation, it is imperative for India to:

• Activate emergency evacuation protocols

• Provide financial and logistical support to stranded citizens

• Ensure transparent and timely updates through official channels

Public pressure is mounting, and lawmakers across party lines are beginning to raise the issue in Parliament and on media platforms. With Asaduddin Owaisi’s statement gaining traction, this could push the government to prioritize action in the coming days.

The Iran-Israel war may be a distant conflict geographically, but its humanitarian consequences are being felt by Indian families right here at home. The safety of 1,595 students and 183 pilgrims is not just a diplomatic issue—it’s a matter of national responsibility.