June 17, 2025 —
Amid escalating regional tensions, Iran has opened its land borders to facilitate the evacuation of foreign nationals, including hundreds of Indian students stranded near conflict-hit zones. The Government of India has initiated an emergency evacuation operation to bring back its citizens, particularly students, facing growing risks due to the ongoing unrest.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), over 250 Indian students studying in various Iranian cities, including Zahedan and Bandar Abbas, have been impacted by the disruption of regular transport routes. With air travel severely restricted in the region, Iran’s decision to open key land crossings has provided a vital corridor for evacuation.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has been working in coordination with Iranian authorities to ensure the safe passage of Indian nationals to secure locations. “We are actively coordinating with Iranian officials and local authorities to ensure a safe and organized evacuation. The safety of Indian citizens remains our top priority,” said Gaurav Shresth, India’s Ambassador to Iran.
Special buses arranged by the embassy have already begun transporting Indian students from their respective universities to designated border points. From there, they will be moved to safer zones before being airlifted to India under the government’s special evacuation initiative, Operation Ghar Wapsi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting with officials from the MEA, Ministry of Home Affairs, and National Security Council to review the situation. Government sources confirmed that contingency plans have been prepared to ensure the swift evacuation of all Indian nationals affected by the conflict.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing the media in New Delhi, said, “We are closely monitoring the developments. The government is committed to ensuring the safe return of every Indian citizen. We appreciate the cooperation extended by Iranian authorities during this crisis.”
Iran’s decision to open its borders has also been acknowledged by the United Nations, which praised the move for facilitating humanitarian assistance amid worsening regional instability. Diplomatic channels between India and Iran remain active to handle any further developments and ensure smooth transit.
Security analysts have warned that the situation in the region remains fluid and unpredictable. Any further escalation could pose additional risks to evacuation efforts, underscoring the importance of swift and coordinated action.
With tensions showing no immediate sign of de-escalation, India’s timely diplomatic engagement and operational readiness have become crucial in safeguarding its citizens abroad. The opening of Iranian land routes marks a significant step in ensuring the success of the ongoing evacuation mission.
