Amid escalating Israel-Iran conflict, India urges citizens in Iran to reach out for help if needed

New Delhi, Jun 14: As tensions soar in Iran following deadly Israeli strikes since Thursday night, the Indian government has issued repeated advisories urging Indian nationals in Iran to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols. The conflict, which has already claimed at least 78 lives and injured over 320 people in Iran, has placed thousands of Indians, many of them students from Kashmir, at the centre of a growing warzone.

In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), on Saturday morning, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin in Iran who require assistance to immediately contact the Embassy of India in Tehran through emergency numbers: 98 9128109115 and 98 9128109109.

A deep sense of anxiety has gripped hundreds of Kashmiri students studying in the Islamic Republic of Iran and their families back in J&K. Many of the Kashmiri students are enrolled in medical colleges across Iran, now find themselves trapped in an increasingly volatile situation, far from home and facing growing uncertainty.

In a strong appeal, National Conference president and former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Friday called on the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to take swift action to ensure the safety and evacuation, if necessary, of Kashmiri students currently in Iran. “Every step must be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of Kashmiri students studying in Iran. Their families are deeply worried, and we stand with them in this difficult time,” Abdullah said.

Iran has long been a destination for Indian medical students, especially from Kashmir, due to its relatively affordable education. However, with the conflict escalating, many now find themselves trapped in a volatile security environment. Families in Kashmir have been reaching out to officials and the media, expressing distress over the worsening security situation and the lack of clear evacuation plans. Many students are reportedly based in Tehran and other Iranian cities affected by the Israeli airstrikes amid closure of airspace.

The government, meanwhile, has acknowledged the gravity of the situation. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which he conveyed the “deep concern of the international community” and urged both sides to avoid further escalation and return to diplomatic dialogue. “Spoke to Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi this evening on the latest situation,” Jaishankar wrote in a post on X. “Urged avoidance of any escalatory steps and an early return to diplomacy.”

The Indian Embassy in Tehran is on high alert and remains in touch with the Indian diaspora. In an advisory, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday: “In view of the current situation in Iran, all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin in Iran are requested to remain vigilant, avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities.” He also urged those in need of urgent assistance to contact the embassy using its emergency helplines: 98 9128109115 and 98 9128109109.

The advisories come in the aftermath of an unprecedented Israeli airstrike campaign early Friday that targeted senior Iranian military officials and key strategic sites, including nuclear and missile installations. The strikes, described by analysts as the most significant attack Iran has faced since the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, have pushed the region closer to open war.

According to official estimates, approximately 10,000 Indian nationals are currently residing in Iran. Most are concentrated in the cities of Tehran and Zahedan, and are engaged in small businesses, students, academic roles, or professional services.

The Indian government is actively monitoring the conflict, staying in contact with Indian citizens in the region as it is likely that conflict may continue for some days.

The Embassy of India in Iran continues to post regular updates on its social media handles and has assured that its emergency lines remain operational round-the-clock for those needing immediate assistance. For now, the focus in India is on ensuring that its citizens, including the young Kashmiri students whose academic dreams have turned into a source of anxiety are kept safe and connected to their families. As the Embassy continues to post updates and remains on standby, the government’s next steps could prove critical in preventing panic and ensuring protection for Indians caught in the crossfire.