Indian Medical Students’ Passports Held in Iran; J&K Association Appeals to MEA

Several Indian medical students in Iran are reportedly facing difficulties as their passports have been withheld by certain universities. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has written to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) seeking urgent intervention.

Students Seeking Return Amid Worsening Situation
Amid the rapidly deteriorating conditions in Iran, many Indian medical students have expressed their desire to return to India. The JKSA has raised serious concerns against some universities, claiming that passports of students who wish to leave the country have not yet been released.

Exams Continue Despite Turbulent Conditions
The association stated that it remains in contact with Indian students in Iran, including many from Jammu and Kashmir. According to JKSA, while some universities have postponed semester examinations until 24 March due to the ongoing situation, others are continuing their exams.

Appeal to the MEA
The association emphasized that this situation is causing distress among students and their families. On Sunday, JKSA sent a letter to the Ministry of External Affairs urging immediate intervention. The letter requested that the MEA raise the matter with Iranian authorities, the Indian Embassy in Tehran, and university administrations to ensure that students receive their passports without further delay.

Details of the Issue
The association noted that students have reported difficulties to their respective Iranian university units, particularly regarding Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Extended closures and delays in returning passports have left students stranded against their will. Nasir Khuehami, the national coordinator of JKSA, stated that university officials have been negligent in taking responsibility, further compounding the students’ hardships.