Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Mar 20: In a significant development amid ongoing evacuation challenges, Indian students stranded at the Azerbaijan border have now been given the option to exit via Armenia, offering a potential breakthrough for those facing prolonged delays.
As per the details, nearly 150 Indian students remain stranded at the Azerbaijan border, particularly in the Astara region, where delays in the issuance of mandatory exit codes have left them in a state of uncertainty for around a week.
Officials and coordinators involved in evacuation efforts have now advised stranded students to consider an alternative route through Armenia. Under this arrangement, students are expected to receive visas on arrival in Armenia. However, they will be required to arrange and book their own travel tickets back to India after crossing the border.
A large number of affected students belong to institutions such as the Islamic Azad University and the Iran University of Medical Sciences.
Meanwhile, evacuation efforts have seen partial success. Around 200-300 students have already reached Armenia, from where they are expected to return to India over the next few days, depending on flight availability. Many of them are currently waiting for confirmed flight schedules as airlines continue to operate limited but regular services.
However, the situation remains challenging for others. Approximately 400 students are still stranded in different parts of Iran, awaiting transportation to Armenia as part of the ongoing evacuation process. Authorities are working to facilitate their movement at the earliest.
Several students from prominent institutions, including Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, and Urmia University of Medical Sciences, have already managed to return safely to India.
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, who has been closely monitoring the situation, stated that flights are operating on a daily basis to assist in the evacuation. He, however, noted that the Armenia route has so far proven to be relatively smoother compared to the Azerbaijan border, where procedural delays continue to hamper movement.
Parents of stranded students have expressed growing concern, urging the Government of India and relevant authorities to step in more actively to ensure the safe and swift return of their children. Many families have reported bearing the financial burden of travel and accommodation on their own, calling for logistical and financial support from the authorities.
They have appealed to higher officials to streamline the evacuation process, expedite clearances, and provide coordinated assistance so that no student is left stranded in uncertain conditions.
