What happened?
On June 16, 2025, the Embassy of India in Tehran, in coordination with local Iranian authorities, began relocating Indian students in Iran to safer locations due to the intensifying Israel-Iran conflict. Buses started relocating students from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University Tehran Medical Sciences, and Iran University of Medical Sciences (Tehran). Relocation for students from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Urmia University of Medical Sciences is also expected. Indian officials have advised students to use the bus facility to move out of Tehran. Buses are also expected to transport Indian students from Qom. The Hindu reported on June 16, 2025, that Iran’s closed airspace has made air evacuation impossible, and a plan to evacuate citizens by ship from Bandar Abbas is under consideration. Indian authorities are registering citizens in Iran through Google forms to collect necessary details.
Why it matters to India
The relocation and potential evacuation of Indian citizens from Iran are critical for India’s consular responsibilities and the safety of its diaspora. Securing its citizens during regional conflicts is a priority for India, demonstrating its commitment to their welfare. The consideration of sea evacuation routes through Bandar Abbas highlights India’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by the conflict. This situation also underscores India’s broader concern for regional stability in West Asia, a region vital for India’s energy security and economic interests.