India Rushes to Bring Citizens Home as Iran-Israel Tensions Flare Up

Here’s the situation

You know how things can go from bad to worse real quick in the Middle East? Well, that’s exactly what’s happening right now. With Iran and Israel trading missiles and threats, India’s got its hands full trying to get its people out of Tehran. Mostly students, honestly—hundreds of them. The embassy’s working overtime, some folks are already safe in Turkmenistan, but there’s still a long way to go. Let me break it down for you.

Why this conflict’s different

Middle East tensions aren’t new—we’ve seen this movie before. But this time? It feels like everyone’s holding their breath waiting for the other shoe to drop. Tehran could become ground zero any minute, and that’s scary for Indians living there. Especially all those medical students in Qom. The government’s basically playing 3D chess right now—trying to get people out while the board keeps shaking.

How India’s getting people out

Students first

About 200 students have already been moved out of Tehran. The embassy’s doing everything from arranging buses to handing out SIM cards. “They literally showed up at our dorms with a plan,” one student told me. That’s the kind of thing that makes you proud, you know?

Not just students though

Here’s the thing—the embassy’s telling everyone who can leave to seriously consider it. They’re helping with paperwork and routes, but they can’t force people. Some folks have businesses there, families. Tough choices all around.

The Qom situation

Medical students in Qom are in a particularly tight spot. The city’s got this massive Indian community, but transport’s a nightmare right now. They’re trying to move people through Turkmenistan—50 already made it out, but it’s slow going. Security checks every 10 kilometers, I hear.

How evacuations actually work

Embassy’s running a 24/7 war room

Got a number to call (+98-XXX-XXXX) and they’ll walk you through it. But here’s the kicker—you need your documents ready. Passport, visa, the works. Forget one thing and you’re stuck in paperwork hell.

The escape routes

They’re using every option—flights when possible, road convoys when not. One official told me, “We’re finding routes like you’d pick your way through a minefield.” Not exactly reassuring, but honest.

Real stories from the ground

Talked to Priya, a med student who just got out. “We left everything—books, clothes, even my stethoscope. Just grabbed passports and ran.” The embassy staff met them at checkpoints with water and directions. Small comforts matter in situations like these.

What to do if you’re stuck there

Leaving?

• Register NOW—website or that helpline number
• Pack light but don’t forget your documents (seriously)
• Watch Air India’s Twitter like it’s your job

Staying?

• Stock up on food, meds, cash—the usual drill
• Get on the embassy’s alert system (one text could save your life)
• Save these numbers in your phone AND write them down: Embassy (+98-XXX-XXXX), Delhi helpline (+91-XXX-XXXX)

How India’s handling compares

America and Europe? They’re just telling people to get out. India’s actually helping make it happen. Does it always work perfectly? No. But at least they’re trying—that counts for something.

Bottom line

This isn’t some theoretical crisis—real people are making impossible choices right now. If you know someone in Iran, share this info. And keep an eye on the news. Things could change any minute.

Need more info?

• Embassy updates (refresh every hour)
• Government’s emergency protocols
• BBC’s live conflict tracker (for the bigger picture)

Source: Times of India – Main