Iran-Israel conflict: India moves students to safer zones, embassies issue helplines

New Delhi: With the Middle East on edge following the intense military exchange between Iran and Israel, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said it is "closely monitoring the security situation" to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian nationals in both countries.

In a statement posted on X, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in Tehran is "continuously monitoring the security situation and engaging Indian students in Iran to ensure their safety."

Students being relocated within Iran

The MEA also stated that "in some cases, students are being relocated with the Embassy's facilitation to safer places within Iran," and added that "other feasible options are also under examination".

Community leaders across Iran are in contact with the Indian Embassy concerning the welfare and safety of Indian citizens, the ministry added.

Omar Abdullah raises concern over stranded students

The statement came shortly after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding Indian students from the Union Territory stranded in Iran. More than 1,500 students, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir, are currently stuck in the country.

Most of these students are enrolled in professional courses, primarily MBBS, in the cities of Tehran, Shiraz and Qom. Their families have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar for intervention to facilitate their safe return.

Indian Embassy in Iran urges vigilance, shares details form

The Embassy in Tehran had earlier urged Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin to "remain vigilant", asking them to submit their personal details via a Google Form shared on X.

"Please remember, it is important not to panic, exercise due caution and maintain contact with the Embassy of India in Tehran," read the post.

A Telegram link was also provided for Indian citizens to join and receive updates directly from the mission.

'Operation Rising Lion' escalates regional hostilities

The situation deteriorated after Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion" on Friday morning — a surprise military campaign that reportedly targeted Iran’s top military leadership and nuclear infrastructure.

Iran retaliated with a series of air strikes. In the past three days, both nations have exchanged hundreds of missiles. While Israel signalled the operation would escalate, Iran threatened to "open the gates of hell".

Helplines set up, MEA likely to issue more advisories

Indian missions in both Iran and Israel have issued helpline numbers and remain in constant contact with local authorities. The MEA is expected to release further advisories as the situation continues to evolve.

Indian nationals in the region have been urged to stay alert, limit outdoor movement, and strictly follow local safety instructions.

Fresh advisory from Indian Embassy in Israel

On June 14, the Indian Embassy in Israel issued a fresh advisory urging Indian citizens to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols issued by Israeli authorities.

"In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to remain vigilant and follow the safety protocols issued by the Israeli authorities and Home Front Command," stated the Embassy's official handle on X, @indemtel.

Citizens were also asked to avoid all non-essential travel and stay close to designated safety shelters.

"We are continuously monitoring the evolving situation, including the safety and well-being of Indian nationals. In case of any emergency, please contact the Embassy’s 24x7 Telephone: +972 54-7520711, +972 54-3278392, or email: cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in," the statement added.

Modi-Netanyahu phone call discusses evolving crisis

On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu phoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi to brief him on the military developments.

"Received a phone call from PM Netanyahu of Israel. He briefed me on the evolving situation. I shared India's concerns and emphasised the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region," PM Modi wrote on X after the conversation.

A statement from Netanyahu’s office said, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, beginning last night, has held conversations with world leaders, including the German Chancellor, the Indian Prime Minister and the French President."

"The leaders showed understanding for Israel's defence needs in the face of the Iranian threat of annihilation; the Prime Minister said that he would continue to be in contact with them in the coming days."

Missiles launched from Iran, casualties reported

Early on June 15, tensions rose further when nearly 100 missiles were fired from Iran towards central and northern Israel. According to the Israeli military and emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA), the attack injured at least 41 people.

The MDA confirmed that two were critically injured, two sustained moderate injuries, four were lightly to moderately hurt, and several others suffered panic attacks or trauma-related symptoms.

Iranian state television confirmed the missile launches as part of a renewed military offensive.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed another barrage had been launched towards Israel, although specific targets and missile counts were not immediately disclosed.