The ongoing crisis in Iran has once again underscored the vulnerability of Indian students abroad, particularly those from Jammu and Kashmir, caught in situations far beyond their control. With widespread unrest and civil disorder gripping Iran, communication blackouts and heightened uncertainties have left many students stranded and anxious for their safety, compelling parents and political leaders alike to appeal for urgent government intervention. For thousands of Kashmiri students pursuing higher education across Iranian universities, the situation has been a source of growing distress. Reports suggest that nearly 2,000 students from Jammu and Kashmir are presently studying in different parts of Iran, with many lacking reliable means of communication or financial support due to intermittent internet shutdowns and service disruptions. Their families, back home in the Valley, have been left in limbo—unable to connect with their children or send funds, while worrying incessantly about their safety amid escalating tensions. Parents gathered in Srinagar and other areas have appealed to the Union government for an immediate and comprehensive evacuation plan. Their plea resonates with a basic and universal truth: every government’s first responsibility must be the safety of its citizens, especially when they are in harm’s way thousands of kilometres away. Calls have also come from political leaders, including the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and other representatives, urging the Centre to expedite all possible measures to ensure the safe return of these students. India’s external affairs machinery has responded with assurances that preparations are underway to facilitate the return of its nationals who wish to come home. Evacuation plans are being drafted and diplomatic engagement with Iranian authorities is ongoing to ensure their safe movement out of the country. The reopening of Iranian airspace and anticipated evacuation flights offer a glimmer of hope for anxious families who have been waiting for definitive action. Yet, the crisis also highlights the broader challenges faced by students from conflict-prone or politically unstable regions. Beyond logistics and flights, there is a need for structured communication channels, real-time advisories, and robust contingency planning tailored specifically for vulnerable foreign student communities. Ensuring their welfare cannot be an ad hoc exercise but must become an integral part of India’s foreign and diaspora policy frameworks.The plight of Kashmiri students in Iran is a stark reminder that global uncertainties do not discriminate. What starts as academic aspiration can quickly turn into a test of resilience and governance. For the families back home, the message is clear: safety, reassurance, and swift action are not just expectations but imperatives.