Escape from Iran: First Batch of Indian Students Heads to Armenian Border Amid Crisis
Tehran, March 11, 2026 — As regional tensions continue to escalate, a significant development has emerged for the Indian diaspora in Iran. The first major batch of Indian students, primarily from the Urmia University of Medical Sciences, has officially begun their exit from the country, utilizing a land transit route towards the Armenian border.
According to the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), over 30 students have already booked their onward flight tickets from Armenia and are currently navigating the crossing. This initial group is expected to reach New Delhi via Dubai by March 15, with a second batch scheduled to arrive on March 16.
The Armenia Transit Route
With airspace disruptions severely limiting direct flights out of Tehran and other major Iranian cities, the land border into neighboring Armenia has become a critical lifeline.
The transit plan, coordinated with logistical support from the Indian Embassy in Iran, involves students traveling to the city of Qom or Urmia for overnight accommodation before proceeding to the Zulfa border crossing to enter Armenia. However, the Embassy has clarified that there is currently no official large-scale government evacuation plan in place for this route, and students undertaking this journey are doing so on their own responsibility.
Strict Conditions for Crossing
To ensure a smooth transit and prevent students from getting stranded at the border or inside Armenia, specific conditions have been laid out:
Confirmed Flights: Students must book their flight tickets from Armenia to India in advance and submit a copy to the Indian Embassy for strict verification before they are cleared to move toward the border.
Transit Buffer: Travelers are strongly advised to maintain a 5 to 7-day buffer between their departure from Iranian cities and their scheduled flights out of Armenia.
Visa Fees: A mandatory $10 visa fee is required at the Armenian border crossing.
Hundreds Closely Monitoring the Situation
While the first 30+ students make their way out, thousands of others remain in Iran. AIMSA noted that the rest of the student body, including those from universities in Qom, Shiraz, and Isfahan, are closely monitoring this first group’s journey.
If this initial batch successfully and safely reaches India, it is expected that hundreds of other stranded students will quickly follow the exact same route. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy has set up a 24×7 control room and emergency helplines, advising all Indian nationals who can safely leave the country to do so using their own resources.
