Mumbai Iranian Consulate assures safety, assistance in evacuations of Indians

Amidst growing security concerns for Indian medical students stranded in Iran owing to the ongoing conflict officials at the Iranian Consulate in Mumbai have responded to queries regarding their safety upcoming examinations access to essential facilities during the current hostilities and possible return arrangements midday contacted the Iranian Embassy in Mumbai to seek clarity on some burning questionsIranians drive past a banner bearing a portrait of Iranrsquos slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and reading in Persian ldquoHis God is still aliverdquo in Tehran on March 3 PICAFPAn official from the mission attributing the response to the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh said the safety and wellbeing of foreign students including those from India remain a priorityExcerpts from a QampA addressed to the Consul GeneralWhat measures are being taken to ensure the safety of international studentsThe Government of Iran is making every effort to protect all foreign nationals residing in Iran including Indian citizens in the same manner it protects its own We are currently engaged in a war with two of the most bloodthirsty regimes in the world mdash the United States and Israel Despite this the Government of Iran has devoted all its efforts to safeguarding the lives of its citizens and resident foreigners and to the fullest extent possible mdash even setting aside certain regulations in the current crisis mdash has sought to facilitate the departure of foreign nationals from the country Naturally should circumstances permit and in cooperation with the Government of India the arrangement of extraordinary flights could expedite the departure of Indian nationals from IranSaeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai PicIranian Consulate in MumbaiAre there any plans to reschedule or conduct examinations onlineYes certainly Universities depending on the circumstances will adopt appropriate measures such as postponing examinations or conducting them online and will duly inform students through proper channelsWhat arrangements are being made to assist students facing internet disruptionsAny potential disruption of internet services may arise due to special circumstances and would naturally affect all Iranian nationals as well It should be borne in mind that in such situations the representatives of the Republic of India in Iran are expected to act more proactively and devise mechanisms to facilitate communication between their nationals and India under special conditionsIs there a formal coordination mechanism between Iranian universities and foreign embassiesYes such coordination mdash similar to the previous crisis the 12day war between the Zionist regime and the Islamic Republic of Iran mdash is conducted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Indian missions in Tehran may liaise either through Iranrsquos Ministry of Foreign Affairs or directly with the universities where Indian students in Iran are enrolledWhat support systems are in place for students who may be unable to leave due to academic commitments or travel restrictionsA support mechanism aimed at expediting the departure of foreign students mdash through cooperation with the Government of India in arranging extraordinary flights at the appropriate time waiving certain legal formalities and similar measures mdash has been or will be implemented during this crisis