Flight Carrying 110 Indian Students Evacuated from War-Hit Iran Lands Safely in Delhi
A special evacuation flight carrying 110 Indian students from conflict-hit Iran landed safely in New Delhi on Thursday morning, bringing a wave of relief to anxious families waiting at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The students had been stranded in Iran amid escalating tensions with Israel and were earlier moved to Armenia as part of a government-coordinated evacuation effort.
Among those on board, 90 students were from Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom were pursuing medical degrees in Iranian universities.
Amaan Azhar, one of the evacuated students, shared his emotional experience. Speaking to ANI, he said, “I am very happy. I cannot express in words how happy I am to finally be able to meet my family. The situation in Iran is very bad. The people there are like us; there are small children who are suffering. War is not a good thing. It kills humanity.”
Family members, many of whom had travelled from different parts of the country, expressed gratitude to the Indian government and its diplomatic efforts. A father from Kota, Rajasthan, whose son was among those evacuated, said, “My son was doing an MBBS in Iran. He is returning via Armenia, on the special plane sent from India. I want to thank the Indian Embassy in Tehran for their efforts.”
While there was collective relief, families also issued an urgent appeal for help for other Indian nationals, especially students, who remain stranded in Tehran and other interior parts of Iran, where evacuation logistics are more challenging.
The evacuation comes in the backdrop of growing hostilities in the region, with tensions between Iran and Israel threatening to spiral into broader conflict. In light of this, India has stepped up efforts to ensure the safety and swift return of its citizens.
On June 15, the Indian Embassy in Tehran issued an advisory urging Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin to avoid unnecessary movement, remain indoors, and stay connected to official channels for updates. The embassy also asked students to register themselves for evacuation planning.
Responding to New Delhi’s diplomatic outreach, Iran has assured safe passage through land borders, as its airspace remains closed due to the ongoing military threats. Students have been advised to exit the country through neighbouring nations like Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and in rare cases, Afghanistan.
Iran currently hosts over 4,000 Indian nationals, nearly half of whom are students enrolled in medical and professional courses. The Indian government, through its embassies and consulates, continues to work with Iranian authorities to ensure the safe exit of all remaining Indians.
IT.
