‘Tehran has been destroyed’: Indian students evacuated from Iran recall ordeal following Israeli raids

Indian students evacuated from conflict-hit Iran have shared a chilling account of the deepening crisis in the Shi’ite country, with many recalling how Israeli strikes caused devastation there.

The government of PM Narendra Modi, under Operation Sindhu, brought back 110 Indian students from Iran early Thursday morning (June 19). First, they were sent to Armenia and then brought to New Delhi via a repatriation flight.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said the evacuation efforts were undergoing and more such flights were scheduled.

“We have planes ready. We will be sending another plane today. We are evacuating some more people from Turkmenistan. Our missions have opened 24-hour lines for any request for evacuation," said Singh.

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Students share ordeal

While talking to media upon their return, several students recalled the ordeal that they experienced after Israel launched a military operation against Iran.

“We were terrified. We thank the Indian government and the Indian embassy who worked very fast and swiftly to bring us here," Varta, a medical student from Kashmir, was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

“When the Indian government came to our doorstep, it felt like home," she added.

Mir Khalif, another student who was evacuated, said, “We could see missiles. There was a war going on. Our neighbourhood was bombed. We were very afraid of the situation. I hope we never see those days again."

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He expressed hope that other students still stuck in Iran would also be evacuated soon.

Delhi-based student Ali Akbar said, “While travelling in a bus, we saw a missile and a drone falling. The situation shown in the news is correct. It is extremely bad. Tehran has been destroyed."

Parents ‘anxious’

Meanwhile, outside the Delhi airport, anxious parents were waiting to embrace their kids.

Haider Ali, father of 21-year-old MBBS student Maaz Haider, expressed relief. “We are really happy. The students have been brought back home safely. But we are sad that students still in Tehran have not been rescued," he said. Similarly, Parvez Alam from Bulandshahr, whose son studies in Urmia, noted the stress his family endured.

“Everything was fine, but recently the situation deteriorated. The government evacuated students to Armenia and kept them in good hotels. We are thankful."