What Measures Are Being Taken to Ensure the Safety of Over 150 Kannadigas in Iran?

Karnataka, June 16 (NationPress) The President of the Indo-Iran Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Syed Hakim Raza, confirmed on Monday that there is ongoing coordination with the Indian Embassy in Tehran to guarantee the security and welfare of Kannadigas currently living in Iran.

Approximately 150 to 200 people from Karnataka, including students, families, and business travelers, are currently in Iran, primarily located in the cities of Qom, Tehran, and Mashhad.

In a statement to IANS, Raza noted, "We are maintaining close communication with the Indian Embassy to facilitate the safety and potential repatriation of Kannadigas. My representative, Mannand Raza, who is also a director at the Indo-Iran Chamber and involved with an NGO, is currently present in Qom and is actively monitoring the situation."

He pointed out that a significant number of Kannadigas in Iran are students, particularly those studying medicine and religious disciplines.

"From Karnataka alone, there are over 15 MBBS students. Additionally, more than 30 individuals are there for religious studies, some accompanied by family members, while others are engaged in business activities," he added.

Raza revealed that Qom has the highest concentration of Kannadigas, a city renowned for its religious institutions and deemed relatively safe compared to other regions in Iran.

"The majority are based in Qom. Some are in Tehran and Mashhad, but these three cities are the primary hubs," he elaborated.

He mentioned that the Indian Embassy has proactively implemented measures to ensure the safety of students and citizens.

"The Embassy has organized buses in collaboration with local NGOs and university authorities. For example, more than 10 students from Karnataka are studying in various Iranian universities, including Tehran University and Iran University of Medical Sciences," he noted.

"A bus arranged by the Embassy has already departed for Qom. The travel time from Qom to Tehran usually spans about two hours. Given that Tehran is currently viewed as less secure, efforts are underway to relocate students and other Indian nationals to safer areas such as Qom," Raza explained to IANS.

According to Raza, Qom accommodates over 60% of the international student population in Iran and is recognized as a central hub for religious studies.

"This positions Qom as a relatively peaceful and secure environment for students. The Embassy has also arranged for temporary housing in secure areas through NGOs. These locations are equipped to meet the needs of students until further arrangements can be established," he stated.

Countering media reports indicating panic and unrest, Raza emphasized that the situation on the ground is stable.

"I am in constant contact with sources in Iran—receiving updates every few minutes. While media coverage here may suggest heightened concern, I can assure you that the situation is much calmer than portrayed," he asserted.

Raza also engaged with several concerned parents in Karnataka, particularly those with children pursuing medical studies in Iran.

"Parents of religious scholars tend to be more composed due to their longstanding connections to the region, but the anxiety among parents of medical students is certainly understandable. I have reassured them that there is no immediate cause for alarm. We are collaborating closely with the Embassy and NGOs to support their children in every possible way," he stated.

Providing additional clarity, Raza disclosed that his representative is also working with Iranian authorities to identify feasible evacuation routes.

"We are in discussions with the Iranian Ministry, which has assured us that exit through land borders can be arranged, given that air routes remain limited for the time being. The Embassy is playing a crucial role in these negotiations," he mentioned.

While there is no official timeline yet for repatriation, Raza confirmed that the Embassy is actively securing safe locations and is collaborating with various stakeholders to facilitate a potential return.

"Though no specific dates have been released, I can confirm that the Indian citizens from Karnataka currently in Iran are in safe areas. The Embassy is diligently working to ensure their safety," he added.

Raza reiterated the Indo-Iran Chamber of Commerce & Industry's commitment to protecting Indian citizens abroad.

"Now is the time for unity. As an organization deeply connected to both nations, we are dedicated to providing full support—whether it involves coordinating logistics, offering assistance, or providing emotional reassurance to families here in India," he concluded.