Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has provided a reassuring update on the ongoing evacuation of Indian students, predominantly from Jammu and Kashmir, who are stranded in Iran due to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. Abdullah confirmed that over 300 to 400 students are expected to reach safer zones today, from where they will be repatriated to India via Armenia.

On his return from Jammu, Abdullah while talking to reporters explained the complexities of the evacuation process, saying, “We cannot evacuate them overnight because no airports are open, and no ports are operational. We are first bringing them by road to cities where there is no bombing, and from there, efforts are being made to bring them back to India via Armenia. Today, we expect around 300 to 400 more students to arrive, most of whom are from Jammu and Kashmir. We will bring them back home safely, and there is a sense of hope all around.”

As tensions continue to rise between Iran and Israel, Abdullah emphasized the need for de-escalation through dialogue. He said, “The India-Pakistan issue is a separate matter, and the Israel-Iran issue is different. In any case, this bombing should never have started.” He also referenced previous statements by U.S. intelligence regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities, urging an end to hostilities and advocating for resolution through diplomatic channels.

Abdullah raised concerns about the dynamics of India-U.S. relations, suggesting that the United States often prioritizes its own interests over bilateral ties with India. “We can’t dictate to the US President whom he should invite for dinner. We used to think the US President was our close friend, and he would respect that, but the US does what benefits it,” Abdullah said.