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Iran Opens Land Borders for Stranded Indian Students Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
Iran Opens Land Borders for Stranded Indian Students Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
June 16, 2025 | NRI Globe News Desk
In a significant diplomatic move, Iran has opened its land borders to facilitate the safe evacuation of over 10,000 stranded Indian students, following a request from the Indian government. This decision comes as Iran has closed its airspace due to escalating tensions with Israel, leaving thousands of Indian students stranded in cities across Iran.
India’s Proactive Efforts to Ensure Student Safety
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is working diligently to ensure the safety of its citizens, with the Indian Embassy in Tehran coordinating closely with students. Many students, particularly from Jammu and Kashmir, have been moved to safer locations such as Ramsar. The government is now facilitating evacuation through land routes via Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan, with potential routes through Armenia also under consideration.
Key Fact: Over 1,500 Indian students, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir, are among those stranded in Iran due to the Israel-Iran conflict. The Indian Embassy is prioritizing their safe return.
Iran’s Cooperation Amid Airspace Restrictions
Iran’s decision to allow Indian students to cross its land borders underscores the strength of India-Iran diplomatic ties. Tehran has requested details such as names, passport numbers, vehicle information, and travel schedules to ensure a smooth evacuation process. With Iranian airspace closed, land routes through neighboring countries are the only viable option for safe passage.
This cooperative gesture reflects the deep trust built through years of bilateral engagement, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, which has strengthened India’s strategic partnership with Iran.
Modi’s Diplomacy: A Pillar of Regional Stability
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proactive foreign policy has been pivotal in securing Iran’s cooperation during this crisis. His 2016 visit to Iran resulted in key agreements, including India’s $500 million investment in the Chabahar port, a vital trade hub connecting India to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. This strategic partnership has not only boosted trade but also facilitated humanitarian efforts like the current evacuation.
Did You Know? The Chabahar port, developed with Indian support, is a critical trade link for India, connecting it to Afghanistan and Central Asia without relying on Pakistan’s ports.
Challenges Amid Ongoing Conflict
The Israel-Iran conflict, marked by recent missile exchanges, has created a challenging environment for evacuation efforts. An attack near Tehran University of Medical Sciences injured two Indian students from Kashmir, who are now stable and relocated to safer areas. The Indian government remains focused on ensuring the safe return of all its citizens, drawing on its experience from past evacuations, such as during the Ukraine crisis.
India-Iran Relations: A Strong Foundation
India and Iran share centuries-old cultural, historical, and strategic ties, formalized through diplomatic relations in 1950. From supporting the Northern Alliance against the Taliban in the 1990s to collaborating on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the two nations have consistently worked to enhance regional connectivity and security. Iran’s cooperation in this crisis highlights the enduring strength of this partnership.
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