US-Israel attacks on Iran: No contact, uncertainty looms over Sikhs in Tehran; kin worried

Amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran, the minuscule Indian community in Tehran — including a small Sikh population estimated at fewer than 100 people — is facing difficult times.For decades, the local Gurdwara, Bhai Ganga Singh Sabha Gurdwara, established in 1941, has stood as a centre of faith, refuge, and seva, supporting people in every circumstance. The Gurdwara has welcomed dignitaries, including PM Narendra Modi. However, since the eruption of the current hostilities, no communication has been established with any Sikh resident in the city.Sikh businessman Amardeep Singh Anand, who is currently in India, said that his last successful contact with his acquaintances in Iran was on the day the conflict began.

At that time, he learned that the Gurdwara was open, but subsequent attempts to reach the community have failed. He believes Sikhs have taken shelter inside the Gurdwara or moved out of the city.Kendriya Vidyalaya-Tehran, where Sikh and other Indian children study, was open till last information was received, but board exams have been postponed. Indian Sikhs have long expressed gratitude to Iran for its respectful treatment of their religious identity.

Many recall how authorities allowed Sikh residents to be photographed with turbans for official documents, a gesture seen as a significant honour.Similarly, the Iranian administration extended support to Indians on various occasions. Following the passing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, several Indians even updated their social media profiles with his photographs as a mark of respect for the spiritual figure and the regime.