West Asia tensions: 110 Indian students moved out of Tehran as MEA steps up evacuation efforts

The evacuation comes amid a dramatic escalation in hostilities in West Asia. (File image)

As tensions continue to simmer in West Asia, India has ramped up evacuation efforts by relocating students from Tehran.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Tuesday that Indian nationals are being moved out of high-risk zones as a safety measure amid the escalating Iran-Israel conflict.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran arranged the evacuation of students from the capital, while advising other citizens with access to transportation to leave independently.

“Indian students in Tehran have been moved out of the city for reasons of safety, through arrangements made by the Embassy,” the MEA said in a statement. “Other residents who are self-sufficient in terms of transport have also been advised to move out in view of the developing situation.”

A group of 110 Indian students from Urmia Medical University was earlier evacuated through the Armenia border and is expected to arrive in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The Embassy stated that it is constantly in touch with the Indian community and is providing logistical and advisory support.

“In some cases, students are being relocated with the Embassy’s facilitation to safer places within Iran. Other feasible options are also under examination,” the ministry said, adding that more updates would follow.

The Embassy has urged all Indian nationals in Iran to stay vigilant, restrict non-essential movement, and stay updated through official social media channels.

The evacuation comes amid a dramatic escalation in hostilities in West Asia.

Will the Iran-Israel war escalate further? Catch live updates here.

Last week, Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion,” a major airstrike campaign targeting Iranian military and nuclear installations. Soon after, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retaliated with drone and missile attacks aimed at Israeli fuel and energy infrastructure.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the mission would continue “for as many days as it takes to remove this threat,” calling it essential to Israel’s survival.

Amid the worsening situation in the region, the MEA has established a 24/7 Control Room in New Delhi and issued emergency contact details to assist Indian nationals:

MEA Control Room (India):
Toll-Free: 1800-118-797
Landlines: +91-11-23012113 / 23014104 / 23017905
WhatsApp: +91-9968291988
Email: situationroom@mea.gov.in

Embassy of India in Tehran:
Call: +98-9128109115, +98-9128109109
WhatsApp: +98-901044557, +98-9015993320, +91-8086871709
Bandar Abbas: +98-9177699036Zahedan: +98-9396356649

Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in