KKN Gurugram Desk | With Israel intensifying airstrikes across Iran—including major cities like Tehran—the Indian government has stepped up efforts to evacuate its citizens, particularly Indian students trapped amid the escalating conflict.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has initiated a carefully coordinated evacuation strategy via land routes, as Iran’s airspace remains closed due to the ongoing war.

Over 1,000 Indians, Mostly Students, Stranded in Iran

The sudden eruption of hostilities between Israel and Iran has left hundreds of Indian nationals stranded. Most of them are medical and engineering students pursuing education in various Iranian universities, now seeking urgent evacuation as missile strikes continue.

According to Indian officials, Iran currently hosts a significant number of Indian students, many of whom are concentrated in academic hubs like Tehran, Urumia, Shiraz, and Mashhad.

“Students are scared and requesting to return home. The MEA is actively coordinating a land-based evacuation as air travel is no longer an option,” said a senior official involved in the operation.

Iran Assures Open Borders for Indian Evacuation

In a diplomatic breakthrough, the Iranian government has assured the Indian authorities that its borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan are open for humanitarian movement.

This has paved the way for a phased evacuation plan, with the first batch of students scheduled to be moved towards Armenia’s Norduz border, from where they will be flown back to India via commercial or special aircraft.

“The route through Armenia is currently the safest and most accessible for a group evacuation,” confirmed a source at the Indian Embassy in Tehran.

Indian Embassy Preparing Lists and Transport Logistics

The Indian Embassy in Tehran, in coordination with MEA and Iranian officials, has begun compiling a list of Indian nationals, primarily students, to streamline the evacuation process. The compiled list includes:

• Full names of Indian citizens

• Passport numbers

• University and city details

• Vehicle registration and bus information

A special focus has been placed on ensuring smooth coordination with the General Protocol Department of Iran’s Foreign Ministry, which is overseeing the humanitarian corridors.

Challenges in Evacuation: Bureaucratic Delays and Transportation Hurdles

While plans are underway, not everything is proceeding smoothly. A report confirmed that a bus carrying over 120 Indian medical students from Urumia University has been delayed due to administrative bottlenecks and university-level approval hurdles.

“We were ready to move, but paperwork and permissions are holding us back,” said a student stranded in Urumia via WhatsApp.

The students are now anxiously waiting for the green light to begin their journey toward the Armenian border, hoping the situation doesn’t worsen further.

What Is the MEA’s Evacuation Plan?

The MEA’s multi-phase plan includes the following steps:

1. Identification and verification of Indian nationals through passport data and university enrollment.

2. Safe relocation from high-risk zones like Tehran to relatively safer cities or directly to land-border regions.

3. Land transport to Iran’s northern and eastern borders (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan).

4. Airlift from neighboring countries once the students cross the border.

The Indian embassies in Armenia and Turkmenistan have also been alerted to prepare for receiving evacuees and assisting with onward flights.

Government Advisory to Indians in Iran

The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a fresh advisory to all Indian citizens currently in Iran:

• Remain indoors unless evacuation is officially scheduled.

• Avoid public gatherings and high-alert zones.

• Stay in constant touch with the Indian Embassy helpline.

• Follow all local government instructions.

An emergency helpline number and email support have also been shared across digital platforms, urging citizens not to panic and wait for scheduled rescue movement.

When Will the First Batch Return to India?

If the Urumia University bus receives clearance within the next 24–48 hours, the first batch of Indian students is expected to reach Armenia’s Norduz border shortly thereafter. Once they arrive, they will undergo:

• Border clearance and documentation

• Health screening

• Immediate transport to the nearest airport

Flights from Yerevan to Delhi or Mumbai are being arranged in coordination with Indian authorities. While there is no confirmed date yet, it is expected that the first set of evacuees could return to India within the next 3–5 days, depending on logistics and flight availability.

Estimated Number of Evacuees: Between 500–1,500

As per preliminary estimates, 500 to 1,500 Indians may need evacuation, most of whom are students. While some have already been moved to safer cities, the process of identifying, transporting, and verifying the rest continues.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has requested that students not attempt self-evacuation and wait for official transportation and clearance, citing the complex war situation and high risk involved.

As the Israel-Iran conflict rages on, the Indian government faces the urgent challenge of extracting its citizens safely from a war-torn region. While diplomatic coordination and logistical support are in place, bureaucratic delays, communication gaps, and infrastructure damage could complicate the mission.

Nonetheless, the MEA’s prompt action and Iran’s cooperation offer hope for those stranded. The coming days will be crucial as the world watches how India’s evacuation diplomacy unfolds under extreme geopolitical pressure.

Stay with KKNLive.com for real-time updates on the India-Iran evacuation operation, Middle East conflict coverage, and government advisories.