New Delhi: AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have called on the Indian government to urgently ensure the safety of Indian students stranded in Iran amid escalating unrest in the country. The leaders stressed that immediate action is required to protect students caught in the turmoil.

Owaisi highlighted the precarious situation faced by Indian students, particularly those studying at Shahid Beheshti University, where 70 to 80 Indians are enrolled, including five to eight from Hyderabad. He noted that hundreds of other Indian students are spread across the country and are increasingly feeling scared and helpless due to the ongoing protests and government crackdowns.

“The safety of these students must be a top priority,” Owaisi said. While he acknowledged that External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has spoken with Iran’s foreign minister, he insisted that dialogue alone is insufficient and swift on-the-ground measures are needed to bring students home safely.

Owaisi also shared the challenges faced by parents in India, many of whom have reached out to him in distress. He cited three major concerns: the shutdown of internet services in Iran, which limits communication; parents’ inability to purchase tickets and send them to their children; and the fact that many students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and lack the financial means to secure travel independently.

Another critical issue, Owaisi said, is that universities are reportedly withholding students’ passports, preventing them from leaving the country. “This has made the situation even more stressful for the students and their families,” he added. He urged the Indian government to immediately devise a clear and actionable evacuation plan to ensure the safe return of all stranded students.

Omar Abdullah, speaking separately, confirmed that he had spoken with EAM Jaishankar regarding the rapidly changing situation in Iran. In a post on X, Abdullah said the minister briefed him on the measures the ministry is planning to protect Indian nationals. “I’m grateful for his assurance that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests and lives of students and other people from J&K who are in Iran now,” he wrote.

The protests in Iran erupted in December 2025 following a record low of the national currency, the rial, which intensified the cost-of-living crisis. What began as economic protests has now escalated into a nationwide uprising, drawing international attention. The United States is reportedly considering military intervention, with President Donald Trump closely monitoring the developments.

As of the latest reports, over 3,400 people have died in the Iranian regime’s crackdown on protesters, according to the US-based human rights news agency. The deteriorating situation has created an urgent need for coordinated efforts to protect foreign nationals, including Indian students who remain in the affected regions.

With communication networks disrupted, students are unable to seek guidance or assistance, and many parents are left in uncertainty regarding the whereabouts and safety of their children. Indian authorities are being urged to take immediate steps to organize evacuation flights, coordinate with Iranian authorities where possible, and provide necessary financial and logistical support to students in need.

The calls from Owaisi and Abdullah underline growing concerns over the safety of Indian citizens abroad amid violent unrest. They have pressed for a comprehensive plan that addresses not only travel logistics but also ensures that students are kept informed and assisted until they are safely back in India.

Indian diplomatic sources have indicated that the Ministry of External Affairs is monitoring the situation closely and is in contact with Iranian officials. The government is reportedly exploring all possible measures, including chartered flights and coordination with embassies, to facilitate the evacuation of vulnerable Indian nationals.

As the crisis continues, political leaders have stressed the need for swift action. Parents of students in Iran have expressed extreme anxiety, particularly as access to money and passports remains restricted. Both Owaisi and Abdullah emphasized that, in such unprecedented circumstances, proactive intervention by the Indian government is essential to prevent harm to its citizens and ensure their safe return.

The situation also raises broader concerns regarding the safety of Indian students in politically volatile regions. Experts suggest that proactive evacuation protocols and emergency response plans should be implemented for Indian students abroad, particularly in countries experiencing unrest or civil disturbances.

In the meantime, Indian students in Iran are advised to stay in safe locations, avoid protests or gatherings, and maintain contact with Indian authorities through any available channels. The government has assured that it will provide regular updates and take all necessary steps to safeguard their wellbeing.

The calls from political leaders underscore the urgency of the situation, with both Owaisi and Abdullah urging the Indian government to move beyond diplomatic discussions and ensure tangible, on-ground assistance to stranded students before conditions worsen further.