Over 600 Indian students, mostly from Kashmir, relocated from conflict-hit Iran: AIMSA

June 20, 2025 by News Desk

Amid escalating tensions in Iran, the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) has confirmed that more than 600 Indian medical students—over 500 of them from Jammu and Kashmir—have been relocated to safer areas within the country, with evacuations now underway.

“These students were studying at four major universities in Tehran—Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Arak University of Medical Sciences, and Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences—and were directly impacted by the conflict,” said Dr. Mujtaba Shaw, Additional Secretary of AIMSA-J\&K. “They have now been safely relocated to Mashhad, a relatively secure region.”

Students from Shiraz and Isfahan medical universities were earlier shifted to Yazd, while those from Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences arrived there after a 22-hour journey covering nearly 750 kilometers. “This journey, which normally takes about 10 hours, was delayed due to disruptions and roadblocks,” Dr. Shaw noted.

“All these students in Yazd are now being moved to Mashhad, about 920 kilometers away, from where their evacuation will be coordinated,” added Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan, Vice President of AIMSA-J\&K.

The situation has been particularly tense in Tehran, where the dormitory housing international students on Hojjat Doost Street was hit in a blast. “A few students from Kashmir received minor injuries in the explosion,” said Dr. Khan. “We’re relieved to report they are stable and under medical observation.”

Dr. Shaw also expressed appreciation for the administration of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. “The Vice Chancellor himself is staying with the students, ensuring they receive moral support and immediate assistance.”

AIMSA said it has formed dedicated support groups to maintain communication. “We’ve created a parents’ group with over 1,800 members from across India and a student coordination group with about 1,000 students from various Iranian universities,” said Dr. Shaw. “This helps us provide timely updates and emotional reassurance.”

On Wednesday night, AIMSA responded to a distress call from students at Golestan University of Medical Sciences, who were alarmed by nearby explosions. “We immediately contacted them, calmed their fears, and coordinated with Indian Embassy officials to ensure their safety,” said Dr. Khan.

According to AIMSA, over 100 Indian students are expected to be evacuated today via the Turkmenistan border. “They will travel to Ashgabat and then take a connecting flight to Delhi,” Dr. Khan confirmed.

“We are in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Tehran,” said Dr. Shaw. “We sincerely appreciate their efforts and urge them to expedite the evacuation of all remaining students.”

AIMSA reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe return of every Indian student. “We’re working around the clock,” said Dr. Khan. “Every student counts.”

Meanwhile, the first batch of Kashmiri students evacuated from Iran has returned home safely, the Jammu Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) said on Friday, bringing relief to their anxious families.

For assistance or verified updates, students and family members may contact:

Dr. Mujtaba Shaw, Additional Secretary, AIMSA-J\&K: +91 88997 77125

Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan, Vice President, AIMSA-J\&K: +91 70065 47966