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.
