New Delhi: The Government of India has begun preparations to bring back around 9000 Indian citizens stranded in Iran as tensions and military attacks continue in the region.
Many of those currently in Iran are students studying medicine and other courses in different universities across the country. Reports say a large number of them are from Jammu and Kashmir and had travelled to Iran for higher education.
The situation became worrying after the conflict between Israel and Iran intensified in recent days. Airstrikes and missile attacks in parts of the country have created fear among foreign nationals, including Indian students.
According to officials, the Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the situation and is in constant contact with the Indian embassy in Tehran. The embassy has been collecting details of Indian nationals and advising them to stay indoors and remain cautious.
Authorities said several students living in Tehran have already been moved to safer locations as a precaution. The government is also exploring possible evacuation plans to ensure the safe return of citizens if the security situation worsens.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government is actively working to protect Indian citizens and is ready to organise evacuation arrangements if required.
Officials are considering different options to bring people home. These include special flights when air travel becomes possible and land routes through neighbouring countries if necessary.
Students in Iran have shared messages with families in India describing the tense atmosphere, with reports of explosions and air defence activity in some areas. Families have urged the government to speed up evacuation efforts.
India has previously carried out similar rescue missions during conflicts in the Middle East and officials say preparations are underway to ensure the safe return of all Indian citizens from Iran if the need arises.