Stranded Indian students use Armenia, Azerbaijan to exit war-torn Iran, slow pace leaves parents anxious

Stranded Indian students, mostly from Kashmir, are being allowed to use the twin routes of Armenia and Azerbaijan to exit the worn-torn country of Iran and head for New Delhi. However, the slow pace has left several parents anxious over their wards’ safety. 

Officials said about 151 Indians have crossed Iran-Azerbaijan border to return to India in the past 24 hours. Parents in Kashmir have expressed satisfaction over the opening of the Azerbaijan route.

Iran-Israel war updates on March 18, 2026

“Earlier only those students whose medical colleges were close to Armenia managed to exit Iran. The Azerbaijan corridor could prove helpful in the fast evacuation of stranded students. However, the pace is slow,” said Khalid Jamal, a relative of the stranded student.

It’s for the first time since the diplomatic ties with Azerbaijan strained during the Operation Sindoor that India decided to reach out to Baku to improve the relations. Indian officials in 2025 believed Azerbaijan was supporting Pakistan’s military operations. Meanwhile, officials said the two countries are in touch to address the issue of the stranded students.  

Official sources the pace of evacuation could be slow because Azerbaijan has restricted the numbers of those fleeing Iran, apparently “to conduct thorough checks”. Officials said around 10 stranded nationals of a particular nationality are allowed to cross in a day. 

According to parents in Kashmir, around 250 Kashmiri students were stranded at the Azerbaijan border and many were complaining of chest infections and influenza. “Several students were not receiving medicine. Many do not have money with them. A group of around 18 students with tickets for March 14 was allowed. Besides, those having tickets for the 18th, 19th, and 20th were also allowed. However, students with tickets for the 15th, 16th, and 17th remain stranded,” said Mr. Suhail Muzamil Qadri, father of a stranded student. 

Tracking the evacuation of the stranded, Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, vice president of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), said, “Several students are stuck at the border. They are not being allowed to cross. Several have also suffered financial losses as their flight tickets went to waste due to the uncertainty.

Over 1000 students from J&K are believed to have enrolled in different professional courses in Iran. Scores of students have returned to J&K in the past few days.