'We are living in fear': Indian students in Iran plead with Govt as India expresses concern over Iran‑Israel tension

India on Saturday expressed deep concern over the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region, urging all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions, respect the sovereignty of all states, and protect civilians.

"As tensions rise between Iran and Israel following recent airstrikes, Indian students stranded in affected cities have taken to social media with emotional appeals, urging the Government of India to accelerate evacuation efforts," the statement noted.

Students in Distress Call for Urgent Action

In a widely shared video, an Indian student in Tehran described the situation as "really worse and uncertain," with daily life disrupted by explosions and air raid alerts.

"We really don't know what's going to happen next," the student said, adding that while discussions are reportedly underway between Indian authorities and the MEA, faster action is needed. "In times like these, speed matters a lot. Airstrikes are happening and it's getting really worse for us. We request quicker and clearer evacuation as soon as possible. Please do not wait for the situation to get worse. Just help us. Just get us out of here."

Another student, Mehek Hussain from Urmia University of Medical Sciences, said panic has spread among Indian students in her city after strikes were reported in multiple parts of the country, including Urmia.

"Although the Indian embassy had advised students to leave, many of us could not do so because our university did not permit mid-term exits. Some students have already returned to India, but many of us are still here. We request the Indian government and embassy to take urgent steps to evacuate all Indian students and citizens. We don't know if the war will continue or stop. We are in fear," Hussain said.

Government Advisories and Diplomatic Efforts

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Indian missions in the region remain in touch with nationals, issuing advisories to stay vigilant, follow local guidance, and remain in contact with missions.

• The Embassy of India in Tehran advised nationals to exercise utmost caution, stay indoors, avoid unnecessary movements, and maintain situational awareness.
• The Embassy in Qatar issued a similar advisory urging Indians to avoid military sites, follow emergency alerts, and stay indoors unless necessary.
• The Embassy and Consulate in the United Arab Emirates asked nationals to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety guidelines, with emergency contact numbers available for assistance.

Regional Developments

Amid rising tensions, US President Donald Trump stated that US forces are carrying out a "massive and ongoing" attack on Iran to destroy its missiles and missile industry.

The combination of airstrikes, emergency alerts, and heightened military activity has amplified calls for swift diplomatic and logistical measures to ensure the safety of Indian nationals in the region.