Evacuation of Indian students from Iran gathers pace

New Delhi, Mar 18: Several Indian medical students have been evacuated from conflict-affected regions of Iran, with some returning home via Armenia and Azerbaijan, while many others remain stranded at border crossing points due to movement restrictions, officials and student representatives said on Wednesday.
The evacuation comes amid escalating instability in parts of Iran, prompting urgent efforts by Indian authorities and student bodies to ensure the safe return of nationals, particularly those enrolled in medical institutions across affected cities.
A flight carrying 20 Indian students who had reached Armenia landed in India at around 9:55 AM on March 18, according to information shared by the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA). In a separate development, four students who had crossed into Azerbaijan earlier arrived in India at approximately 3:40 AM via Baku.
Despite these movements, the situation remains tense at the Azerbaijan–Iran border, where several students are reportedly unable to cross due to restrictions and procedural hurdles.
“Many students are stuck at the border and are not being allowed to cross. Several have also suffered financial losses as their flight tickets went to waste due to the uncertainty,” said Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, Vice President of AIMSA.
Officials said evacuation efforts are ongoing through multiple routes, with Armenia emerging as a key transit point. A group of 86 students from Shiraz has successfully crossed into Armenia and is scheduled to be airlifted to India on March 20.
Students from Golestan University have also safely reached Armenia, officials added, indicating continued progress in phased evacuation operations.
Meanwhile, a significant number of Indian students remain in Qom, where arrangements for accommodation and basic facilities have been made with the support of the Indian Embassy, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Authorities said they are closely monitoring developments on the ground and coordinating with foreign governments to facilitate safe passage for stranded students.
Students and their families have expressed concern over delays and uncertainty, urging authorities to expedite evacuation procedures and ensure clear communication regarding travel routes and timelines. [KNT]