Indian Students Stranded Amid Iran’s Internet Blackout and Political Unrest

In the age of instant communication, a single bar of internet signal became a lifeline for thousands of Indian students in Iran. Near the Iran–Iraq border, students lifted their phones towards the sky, desperately trying to catch a faint network signal just to send a short message home. With internet services suspended across large parts of the country and an 8 pm curfew imposed in several cities, daily life came to a sudden halt.

Universities shut down, examinations were postponed and students were left uncertain about both their safety and their academic future. Families in India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, were plunged into anxiety as they struggled to contact their children.

Panic Back Home and the Role of Student Associations

According to Mohammad Momin Khan, Vice-President of the J&K All India Medical Students Association, around 9,000 Indians live in Iran, most of them students, and nearly 2,000 are from Jammu and Kashmir. When communication broke down, panic spread quickly among parents.

To handle the crisis, the students’ association created a WhatsApp group to track students and share verified updates. This digital support system became a vital bridge between students and families. “Parents were panicking because there was no way to reach their children directly. The group helped assure families that students were safe,” Khan said.

Universities Suspend Classes, Students Face Uncertainty

Amid political unrest and fears of escalation, universities in several regions suspended classes and postponed examinations. Although many students said the ground situation was not as chaotic as portrayed on social media, the mix of demonstrations, curfews and internet shutdowns created a deep sense of vulnerability.

For many, the decision to return to India was driven less by immediate danger and more by uncertainty about how long the situation would continue and how it would affect their studies.

First Batch of Students Return to India

Commercial flights carrying the first batch of Indian students and pilgrims landed in Delhi early Saturday. At IGI Airport, emotional scenes unfolded as parents waited anxiously for their children. Hugs, tears and relief filled the arrival hall.

“Coming home felt like a weight lifted,” one student said, capturing the emotions of many families who had been living in fear for weeks.

Students Say Situation Was Under Control

Zoha Syeeda, a final-year MBBS student at Tehran University from Jammu and Kashmir, said that reports of unrest were largely rumours. “There was no chaos. Police were continuously patrolling the area and the university had advised students not to step out. We were in safe hands,” she said after landing in Delhi.

Her father explained that the lack of reliable communication and the internet shutdown made the situation extremely stressful for families. As a precaution, they insisted she return home and plan to send her back once the situation stabilises.

Some Students Choose to Stay Back

Not all students decided to leave Iran. Adulahad, father of a final-year MBBS student who chose to stay back, said, “He tells us that the situation there is under control and that he feels safe. He will return only if the situation worsens or if he is advised to leave.”

This reflects the difficult balance students face between personal safety and continuing their education.

Indian Embassy Monitoring the Situation

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has said that formal evacuation operations are currently on hold and officials are closely assessing the situation. Embassy authorities remain in touch with students and have assured them that they will be informed through official channels if evacuation becomes necessary.

Clear communication and timely guidance from authorities remain crucial as the situation continues to evolve.

A Story of Fear, Resilience and Hope

This episode shows how global political events deeply affect ordinary lives. For Indian students in Iran, a simple internet connection became a symbol of safety and survival.

Despite the challenges, the strength of student associations, families and the Indian community has helped many cope with fear and uncertainty. In times of crisis, human connection and cooperation matter more than ever.