this middle East The joint US-Israeli missile attack on Iran resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering a retaliatory attack. The regional situation was generally unstable and the situation fell into turmoil. The clashes disrupted air travel, forced airport closures and prompted India to issue an emergency proclamation urging its citizens in Iran, Israel and Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates to exercise extreme caution.
Indian students in Iran
Around 3,000 Indian students are said to be trapped in Iran, including nearly 2,000 students from Jammu and Kashmir. Approximately 1,100-1,200 people remain in the conflict zone. Nasir Khuehami, national convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, told ANI that a formal request for immediate evacuation has been sent to Prime Minister Modi. “This morning, we saw a conflict between Iran and Israel, and the Israeli army attacked Iran. Our citizens there, especially Indian students and Indian citizens who have studied and worked there for many years, are very worried...Their families, especially those in the Kashmir Valley, are very scared, anxious and distressed. The highest number of students come from Kashmir Valley. There are around 3000 Indian students out of which around 2000 are Kashmiri students… However, we have 1100-1200 students there… They want us to evacuate them immediately… Today we have written a letter to Prime Minister Modi requesting him to initiate a full scale evacuation operation for immediate evacuation of our stranded citizens. The Indian government should open diplomatic channels and raise this issue with the other party. “
Until then, MEA advises students to move to safer places and stay indoors.Follow real-time updates on Iran and the Middle East
Students plead to government
Several Indian students stranded in Iran have narrated their ordeal and urged the Indian government to help with their evacuation.Ayesha, an Indian student stranded in Iran, said she was forced to stay to avoid failing her exams. “Our internet is cut off. We hear bombs every 15 minutes. It’s very disturbing here. When our embassy advised us to leave Iran, our university didn’t cooperate.” They say if you leave, you will fail… Universities, hospitals and everything are closed now for 15 days. We are very grateful to the embassy; we are in contact with them...They are also helpless now because the airspace here is prohibited by various countries. We can’t evacuate,” she said.Another Indian student in Tehran requested the Indian government to evacuate immediately. She said: “I am an Indian student currently in Tehran. Things feel very bad and uncertain here. We really don’t know what’s going to happen next. We are very grateful that the Indian government and the Ministry of External Affairs are discussing our security concerns, but in times like this, speed is of the essence. I couldn’t even speak properly because the air raids were going on and our situation was getting worse. We demand faster and clearer evacuations as soon as possible. Please don’t wait until it gets worse. Just help us. Please get us out of here as soon as possible. “An Indian student in Iran urged India to start evacuations, saying: “We have been under air strikes since morning and we are in a difficult situation.”
Indians stranded in UAE and Gulf countries
The crisis broke out when several travelers from Madhya Pradesh traveled to Dubai and Sharjah for tourism and business. In the UAE, more than 700 people from Madhya Pradesh, including former MLA and BJP leader Sanjay Shukla, were unable to return due to flight cancellations and temporary closure of airports.Shukla shared a video on social media showing smoke from the explosion kilometers away and appealed to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked for help, adding that his son was also trapped with him. Former Depalpur MLA Vishal Patel and other travelers are also waiting for the situation to normalize before returning to India.Also read: Oil tanker hit near Oman in Strait of Hormuz; 15 Indians evacuated
Government response and advice
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued an urgent advisory to Indians in conflict-affected areas. Indian embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv have set up 24×7 helplines and are coordinating with local authorities. The Assam government is in contact with the MEA to trace the state’s residents living or stranded in West Asia and collect information about their conditions.Meanwhile, India in its official position urges restraint, dialogue and protection of civilian lives amid escalating hostilities.
Aviation and maritime considerations
Airlines have been instructed to monitor airspace advisories and reroute or cancel flights as necessary. India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways also warned Indian seafarers to be extra cautious in and around Iranian waters. Companies and maritime stakeholders are asked to immediately report the status of Indian crew members to the authorities.Meanwhile, air travel continues to be disrupted as tensions escalate in the Middle East, affecting flights to and from the region, prompting the aviation ministry to issue an advisory. “In view of airspace restrictions resulting from geopolitical developments in the Middle East, 350 flights operated by domestic airlines in India have been canceled on March 1, 2026. Passengers are advised to check flight status with the relevant airlines and maintain close coordination with them for any assistance required. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is actively monitoring the situation and providing necessary support to passengers, in close coordination with airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders. “
