Srinagar, Jan 15 (KNS) ; The Indian government has initiated a major evacuation operation for its citizens stranded in Iran, with the first repatriation flight scheduled to arrive from Tehran on Friday.
Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) in a statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS) said, the move follows high-level advocacy by the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), which urgently raised the issue with the offices of the External Affairs Minister and the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister earlier today.
“We have received firm assurances that the situation is being closely monitored and that the Ministry of External Affairs is leading efforts to ensure the safe and swift return of all Indian students,” said Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the JKSA said In a statement.
According to Khuehami, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has collected passports and personal details from students—a clear indication that the repatriation process is now in motion.
“All students have been formally registered. The first group has been instructed to assemble and be ready by 8:00 AM tomorrow for departure,” Khuehami stated. He added that the initial flight is expected to carry students primarily from Golestan University, along with some from the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBUMS) and Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). A final manifest will be issued by authorities later tonight.
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The evacuation became feasible after Iran reopened its airspace to civilian flights, following a temporary closure due to heightened security concerns. Indian authorities, in close coordination with the embassy, have arranged the special flight and anticipate scheduling additional flights in the coming days to bring home all remaining students.
“This operation brings tremendous relief to the students and their families across India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, who have been living under intense anxiety,” Khuehami remarked. “We expect the evacuation to be conducted smoothly, safely, and in a phased manner until every student is home.”
In a related security update, the Embassy of India in Tel Aviv issued a fresh advisory on Thursday urging Indian nationals in Israel to exercise heightened caution.
The advisory calls on citizens to “remain vigilant and strictly adhere to safety protocols issued by Israeli authorities,” and advises against all non-essential travel to the country.
For emergency assistance, Indian nationals may contact the embassy’s 24-hour helpline Phone +972-54-7520711 / +972-54-3278392
Email:consl.telaviv@mea.gov.in.
The government continues to monitor the security landscape across the region and is taking proactive steps to ensure the welfare of Indian citizens abroad the advisory further added. (KNS)