Indian students in Tehran have been moved to other locations as conflict between Iran and Israel grows, government said. The foreign ministry in a statement said, “Indian students in Tehran have been moved out of the city for reasons of safety, through arrangements made by the Embassy.”

The ministry also urged other Indians in the region to move out of the city.

“Other residents who are self-sufficient in terms of transport have also been advised to move out of the city in view of the developing situation,” the MEA statement said.

The ministry of external affairs said that some Indian nationals have been facilitated to exit Iran via its border with Armenia.

“The Embassy remains continuously in touch with the community with a view to extending all feasible assistance. Further advisories may be issued given the fluid situation,” it added.

Over 4,000 Indians in Iran, many are students from J&K 

Iran is currently home to over 4,000 Indian nationals, with nearly half being students. A significant number of these students hail from Jammu and Kashmir and are pursuing medical and other professional courses. 

Iranian universities are a popular choice among Kashmiri students due to their affordability and cultural similarities. The students are spread across various cities, including Tehran, Shiraz, and Qom.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said in a social media post on Sunday that he had spoken to external affairs minister S Jaishankar regarding the situation in Iran, particularly the safety and well-being of Kashmiri students.

Abdullah said the minister had assured him that the ministry of external affairs is in regular contact with its Iranian counterpart and “will take all necessary steps to safeguard all Indian students in Iran.”

The Israeli strikes on Iran have sparked panic among students in the country and their families in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, with many urging the government to evacuate them from the region.

Israel launched a major military offensive on Friday, carrying out strikes in Tehran and multiple other locations across Iran. The attacks killed senior military officials and nuclear scientists, and destroyed critical infrastructure. 

One of the main targets was a nuclear enrichment facility located about 18 miles from the city of Qom.