SRINAGAR, January 16, 2026 — Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, a significant number of Indian students, primarily from Kashmir, have begun returning home from Iran using commercial flight routes.
Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), confirmed that many students are currently transiting through Shiraz International Airport. These individuals are traveling via Air Arabia, connecting through Sharjah, and are expected to land at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in the early hours of the morning.
Additionally, a direct Mahan Air flight from Tehran is scheduled to arrive in the national capital to facilitate the return of more students and pilgrims.The JKSA clarified that these students are currently funding their own travel expenses as the Government of India’s formal evacuation operations are currently on hold.
While the Indian Embassy in Tehran remains in constant communication with the student community, officials have stated they will initiate formal evacuation procedures only if the situation necessitates such action. For now, students are being advised to use available commercial channels while the Embassy monitors the security landscape across the region.
Simultaneously, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has issued a fresh security advisory for Indian nationals residing in Israel. The advisory urges citizens to exercise heightened vigilance, avoid non-essential travel, and strictly follow the safety protocols established by the Israeli Home Front Command.
To assist those in distress, the Embassy has activated 24-hour emergency helplines and dedicated email support to provide immediate guidance as the regional situation evolves.
