Evacuation from Iran to begin once airspace, borders reopen: Mehdi
Families of students studying in Iran have expressed concern over their safety
Member of Parliament from Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, on Monday said evacuation of Indian students stranded in Iran will begin once the country’s airspace or its land borders reopen.
Mehdi, who has been in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), shared the update in a post on X. “We have been in direct contact with the Ministry of External Affairs. We were informed that Iranian airspace remains closed, and borders with Iraq, Armenia and Azerbaijan are also shut,” he said.
“Evacuation will begin when the airspace or borders reopen. Until then, all students should assemble in the city of Qom for evacuation whenever possible. We are monitoring the situation closely and will share updates as they come,” he added.
Families of students studying in Iran have expressed concern over their safety amid the ongoing hostilities involving the United States and Israel. Reports indicate widespread disruption and damage in several parts of Iran following the recent strikes.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohammad Haneefa, said he held a detailed meeting with the Joint Secretary (PAI Division) of the MEA regarding Indian nationals, including residents of Ladakh, stranded in Iran.
“We discussed the safe evacuation of pilgrims, students and others affected. The Joint Secretary assured me that the Government is taking every necessary step and is deeply concerned about the safety of its citizens. With Iranian airspace currently closed, sea routes carrying risks, and border crossings posing dangers, the Ministry is actively exploring all possible options for safe evacuation,” Haneefa said in a statement.
He added that the Embassy of India is compiling data on all stranded Indian nationals and attempting to reach out to each of them. Specific concerns of Ladakhi residents, including passport and visa-related issues, were also discussed.
“Efforts are being made to shift those in high-risk areas, such as Tehran and other cities facing attacks, to safer locations within Iran. I am in regular contact with the Ministry and will share updates as soon as they are received. The safety of every Indian national, including our people from Ladakh, remains our top priority,” he said.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran had issued an advisory on February 23 urging Indian nationals to leave Iran in view of rising tensions. However, a significant number of students were unable to depart before the situation escalated.
