Israel-Iran conflict: Indian students evacuated out of Tehran, 110 cross border to Armenia; Embassy urges nationals to move to ‘safe location’ outside city
Amid the escalating military confrontation between Israel and Iran, the Indian government has taken rapid steps to ensure the safety of its citizens in the region. On Sunday and Monday, a large number of Indian students were successfully evacuated from Tehran and surrounding areas. At least 110 students have crossed the Iran-Armenia border and are expected to return home shortly.
The move comes in response to increasing regional instability, airspace closures, and fears of retaliatory action following Israeli strikes deep inside Iranian territory.
🚍 Students Relocated from Tehran to Safer Cities
As the situation in Tehran remains tense, the Indian Embassy in Iran coordinated a large-scale evacuation effort. Using buses and private transportation, around 600 students and professionals were shifted from the Iranian capital to relatively safer cities including Qom, Yazd, Isfahan, and Urmia.
Many students reported being caught off-guard by the rapid escalation. With the city on high alert and air raid sirens intermittently sounding, the urgency to relocate became clear. Embassy officials worked around the clock, identifying vulnerable areas and organizing ground transport.
🇮🇳 Embassy Issues Advisory, Activates 24×7 Helpline
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised all nationals—students, workers, and tourists—to immediately move to locations outside Tehran if they have access to private vehicles or safe travel routes. The advisory emphasizes maintaining constant contact with embassy officials and sharing updated location information.
To assist those in distress, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi has set up a 24×7 control room. Helpline numbers are available for both direct calls and WhatsApp messaging, ensuring smooth coordination amid communication disruptions in some areas.
Key contact numbers include:
- +98 9010144557
- +98 9128109115
- +91 8086871709 (India)
The embassy’s Twitter handle @India_in_Iran is also actively posting updates and safety instructions.
✈️ 110 Indian Students Safely Cross into Armenia
As the land route through Armenia remains open, it has become a vital corridor for evacuation efforts. In the latest development, over 110 Indian students crossed the border into Armenia and are currently being processed for their return to India.
According to MEA officials, a special chartered flight is expected to bring them home within the next 24–48 hours. This group is part of the first wave of Indian nationals exiting the country, with more evacuations expected depending on the evolving conflict situation.
Students who reached Armenia spoke of their relief but also highlighted the emotional toll of the sudden evacuation. “We were scared, especially at night with rumors flying around. But the embassy coordinated everything really well,” said a student from Delhi University.
🌍 Airspace Closures Force Overland Evacuations
With both Iranian and Israeli airspaces shut, all international flights have either been cancelled or rerouted. The closure has impacted regional air traffic across the Middle East, disrupting commercial and diplomatic travel.
For Indian nationals, this has meant relying heavily on land borders and private transportation. Given the unpredictability of the conflict, the embassy has warned that border crossings could close with little notice. Thus, students and residents still in Tehran are urged to act quickly and avoid waiting for official flights to resume.
🧭 Situation Summary: Key Points
| Aspect | Status |
|---|---|
| Evacuated to Armenia | 110+ students |
| Relocated within Iran | 600+ students |
| Airspace over Iran/Israel | Fully closed |
| Embassy helpline | Active 24×7 for coordination |
| Mode of travel | Buses, personal cars, land border via Armenia |
🕊️ India Urges Peace, Focuses on Safety
While India has not taken any sides in the conflict, the MEA has reiterated its commitment to protecting Indian lives overseas. Government officials in New Delhi have stated that India is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to act swiftly if conditions worsen.
The Israel-Iran conflict, which initially erupted following retaliatory drone and missile attacks, has now spiraled into a broader regional crisis. Several world powers, including the United States, Russia, and the European Union, have called for immediate de-escalation. However, concerns remain that further military actions could make civilian evacuations increasingly difficult.
📢 What to Do if You’re an Indian in Iran
For Indians still inside Iran, especially in major cities like Tehran, Mashhad, or Shiraz, the embassy recommends the following actions:
- Move to a safer location: If possible, leave Tehran and head to cities with lower risk.
- Register with the embassy: Share your full name, contact info, and current address.
- Stay connected: Follow official updates on social media and embassy websites.
- Keep documents handy: Carry your passport, student ID, and essential items.
- Avoid public gatherings: Stay indoors during curfews or periods of heightened alert.
✈️ Final Thoughts
India’s quick action to protect its citizens in a volatile conflict zone demonstrates the strength of its diplomatic network and commitment to its diaspora. As the Israel-Iran conflict continues to unfold, the situation remains fluid, but the priority remains clear: bring every Indian home safely.
Further updates are expected in the coming days as the evacuation efforts expand and new corridors are explored.
