Bengaluru, June 17 (UNI) More than 200 people from Karnataka, including students and businessmen, are currently stranded in Iran following the ongoing Israeli bombings, Syed Hakim Raza, president of the Indo-Iran Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said on Tuesday.
"Among those stranded are over 15 students pursuing medical education and more than 50 engaged in religious studies, while several businessmen from Karnataka are also caught in the conflict-affected region, he told UNI.
Raza said that the Indian Embassy has begun relocating medical students from Tehran to Qom City as a precautionary measure. "The relocation has been underway for the past day. The embassy is in constant communication with us and has assured that once land border routes are accessible, they will inform us immediately," he said.
The Indo-Iran Chamber, Raza said, is actively coordinating relief efforts. "Our directors are stationed on the ground. Several of my own family members – nieces, nephews, and brothers’ children involved in business – are in Iran. Naturally, there is concern, but things are under control at the moment," he stated.
He estimated that over 10,000 Indian nationals are currently in Iran, spread across major cities like Tehran, Qom, Bandar Abbas, and Chabahar. "A large number of people from Karnataka are now concentrated in Qom. As soon as any window opens via land borders, we are ready to act," he added.
Raza reaffirmed that the Indo-Iran Chamber, in coordination with the Indian embassy, is doing its utmost to support stranded citizens. "We are fully involved in the evacuation and support process, ensuring that everyone who needs assistance is being attended to," he said.
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