Article : Caught in Conflict: How the Iran-Israel War Disrupts Indian Students’ Lives
Evacuation, disrupted education, visa limbo, and financial strain haunt Indian students caught in the Middle East crisis.
The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict has created ripple effects far beyond the borders of the Middle East. Among those directly impacted are Indian students studying in Iran, many of whom chose the country for its affordable education, cultural ties, and academic quality. The sudden escalation in hostilities forced hundreds of students to evacuate on short notice. As airstrikes intensified, the Indian government issued advisories and arranged special flights. “We had just finished our semester when we were told to pack and leave in two days. I left my books, clothes, and even rent deposits behind,” recalls Aarav Joshi, a second-year medical student from Pune. With final-year projects and exams abruptly halted, many face serious academic setbacks.
For most of these students, education abroad is made possible through tightly structured loans from Indian banks. These loans cover tuition, housing, and daily expenses. The unexpected disruption has left many with unpaid debts but no degree to validate their efforts or open career paths. As loan repayment deadlines loom, students find themselves in financial limbo. While some lenders may offer temporary relief, no broad-based moratorium has been declared yet, leaving affected families in growing distress. Several student associations have now appealed to public sector banks and the Ministry of Finance to consider temporary repayment deferrals or restructuring schemes.
The war has also disrupted visa processes and diplomatic operations. Many students now possess expired visas or unfinished paperwork, with no way to return due to suspended embassy functions. This bureaucratic deadlock extends to students who had secured internships or admission to postgraduate programs in Iran, now unable to pursue them. Their efforts to transfer to universities in other countries are hampered by unclear documentation and gaps in their academic record caused by the crisis. Some have even reported being stuck between two immigration systems—neither able to go back nor move forward.
Adding to the financial turmoil is the currency depreciation in Iran, which has weakened the value of Indian remittances and increased the cost of living. Tuition fees have also been impacted, with some universities temporarily suspending classes or stalling programs without clear communication about refunds or academic continuity. Families are now paying more for less certainty, and many students are unsure whether their investments will result in a degree. According to early 2024 estimates, over 1,200 Indian students were enrolled in Iranian universities—mostly in medicine, pharmacy, and engineering—across nearly a dozen institutions now affected by closures and partial shutdowns.
Housing complications have further worsened the situation. Students staying in rented flats or private hostels often left behind their belongings in haste. Many landlords, citing the crisis, have withheld security deposits or prematurely ended contracts. Those attempting to relocate to safer cities or nearby countries are now faced with inflated housing costs. For students and families already stretched thin, these extra expenses add another layer of hardship to an already difficult situation. Community associations in cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad have begun informal fundraising to support returnees.
Beyond the financial and academic fallout lies a deeper, often overlooked consequence: the emotional and psychological impact on students. The sudden collapse of their plans, fear for personal safety, and uncertain future have led to rising cases of anxiety and emotional distress. “I went to Iran with a dream of becoming a doctor. Now I’m back home, unemployed, in debt, and uncertain about what’s next,” says one student from Nagpur, requesting anonymity. For many, the war has robbed them not just of stability, but of their sense of direction. Families are now also grappling with how to support students in re-enrolling or rebuilding from scratch.
The Iran-Israel war has exposed a vulnerable segment of India’s overseas student population. Their dreams have been upended by a conflict beyond their control. Urgent support is needed from Indian institutions and banks. Loan relief in the form of moratoriums, UGC-backed fast-track academic transfers, and mental health counseling are critical. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has acknowledged the issue and is reportedly working with Indian embassies to explore transfer and recognition options. Indian diplomacy must also engage with Iranian universities to resolve tuition and credit transfer issues. As one student put it: “Behind every returning student is a dream disrupted—not by failure, but by war.”
©Gurudatta Dinkar Wakdekar, Mumbai
Date : 22/06/2025 Time : 15:03
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