“J&K Students’ evacuation under Operation Sindhu” - India's steadfast commitment to safety of citizens aids students, parents: Raman Suri

JAMMU: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Executive Member Raman Suri today lauded the Modi government’s exemplary efforts in ensuring the safe evacuation of Indian students, including 90 from Jammu and Kashmir, from conflict-ridden Iran under the meticulously executed Operation Sindhu. The operation, spearheaded by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Tehran, successfully brought 110 students back to India via Armenia, showcasing India’s unwavering commitment to the safety and security of its citizens abroad.

The escalating Israel-Iran conflict, marked by missile strikes and bombings, created a perilous environment for Indian students, particularly those studying at Urmia Medical University and other institutions in Iran. Amidst the chaos, with residential areas in Tehran and other cities under attack, the Indian Embassy in Tehran acted swiftly to ensure the safety of these students.

The mission established direct communication with the students, many of whom were experiencing psychological distress due to the sounds of airstrikes and air defense systems. Despite challenges such as patchy internet access and closed Iranian airspace, the embassy provided critical guidance, urging students to stay indoors, carry their passports, and prepare for potential evacuation.

Raman Suri said that the Indian mission’s proactive approach involved relocating students from high-risk zones like Tehran to safer locations within Iran initially. However, as the situation deteriorated, the embassy coordinated a complex evacuation plan, facilitating the students’ safe passage across the Iran-Armenia border via the Nurduz-Agarak crossing. Approximately 110 students, including 90 from the Kashmir Valley, were transported by road to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, under the supervision of Indian missions in both Iran and Armenia.

Raman Suri emphasized the extraordinary challenges faced during the evacuation, stating, “The situation in Iran was nothing short of a nightmare for our students. Missiles were visible, buildings shook, and fear gripped their hearts. Yet, the Indian Embassy, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, worked tirelessly to ensure their safety. The coordination with Iranian and Armenian authorities was seamless, reflecting India’s diplomatic strength and commitment to its citizens.”

Suri also addressed critics of the Modi government, urging them to reconsider their stance in light of the dire circumstances. “Those criticizing the government must reflect on the war-like conditions these students endured. The Modi government not only evacuated them from a conflict zone but also ensured their safe transit through Armenia, a route chosen after Turkey denied passage. This operation was a testament to India’s resolve and capability to protect its people, no matter where they are,” he said.

Raman Suri added that the Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association and the students themselves expressed gratitude for the government’s swift response. Students like Varta from Kashmir, who witnessed attacks near their neighborhoods, described the relief of being reached by Indian officials, stating it “felt like home.” Another student, Khalif, recounted the terror of seeing missiles and hearing bombings, underscoring the embassy’s critical role in their rescue.

Raman Suri said, “Operation Sindhu is yet another shining example of the Modi government’s ‘nation first’ policy. We salute the Indian Embassy, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the governments of Iran and Armenia for their cooperation. The BJP stands proud of this humanitarian mission that brought our students home safely.”