Parents urge Centre to help stranded J&K students in Azerbaijan

March 22, 2026

Parents of students from Jammu and Kashmir studying abroad are urging the Government of India for urgent intervention to secure the safe return of their children who remain stranded near the Azerbaijan–Iran border amid the escalating conflict in West Asia. Many of these youths, primarily Indian medical and engineering students, travelled to neighbouring countries like Iran and were later moved toward the Azerbaijan border as part of ongoing evacuation efforts. However, they are now stuck due to procedural delays and border restrictions, leaving families deeply concerned for their safety and well‑being.

The situation has sparked mounting anxiety among parents in Kashmir and other parts of India’s northern Union Territory, who are seeking a swift and coordinated response from the central government to ensure the students do not face further distress or danger.

Stranded Students Face Harsh Conditions

According to parents and student groups, more than 200 students, many from Kashmir, have reached the border area near Azerbaijan but have not been able to cross due to a lack of transit permission and delays in coordination between authorities. Although some groups managed to evacuate via neighbouring countries like Armenia, students at the Azerbaijan border remain in limbo, grappling with health concerns, money shortages, and uncertain travel arrangements.

One parent, Suhail Muzamil Qadri, shared that despite arranging visas, flight tickets, and all necessary documents as per instructions from Indian authorities, his son and others are still awaiting clearance to proceed. Families said that students have been stuck at the border since mid‑March, with many missing their scheduled flights and spending their own funds in difficult conditions.

Parents allege there has been inadequate logistical support and poor communication, leaving the stranded students without clear guidance on when or how they will be able to return home. Many are now falling ill and without access to proper medical assistance at the border location.

Demands for Government Action

Responding to the growing crisis, parents and community groups have called on the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Prime Minister’s Office, and relevant diplomatic channels to step in urgently. They want enhanced coordination with Azerbaijani authorities to secure transit permissions and ensure the safe movement of students across the border so they can board flights home.

The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has been at the forefront of these appeals, urging External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to intervene directly, press for diplomatic clearances, and coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and the Embassy in Baku to ensure students are allowed safe passage. Families have also urged that the government provide necessary financial assistance, medical support, and crisis coordination on the ground.

Parents stressed that the students were initially moved from conflict zones in Iran to border cities with the understanding that the evacuation process would be smooth and safe. Now, delays in issuing exit codes and transit permits have left many youths uncertain about their future, prompting urgent calls for central intervention.

Broader Context of Student Evacuations

This development comes amid broader evacuations of students and Indian nationals fleeing war‑torn regions in West Asia. Earlier phases of evacuation saw some students relocated via Armenia, with groups flown back to cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. Yet procedural hurdles at the Azerbaijan border have stymied efforts to complete the return process for all stranded students.

Families say that the distress caused by the protracted evacuation process has taken a toll on both the physical and mental health of the students, many of whom remain cut off from regular communication with loved ones due to connectivity issues at the border.