Iran-Israel conflict: Keralites in both countries are currently safe, confirms NORKA Roots CEO

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, Keralites in both countries are currently safe, said Ajith Kolassery, CEO of NORKA Roots. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy have begun efforts to relocate Indian citizens and students in Iran to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, via road.

Some individuals who escaped missile strikes have reached out to NORKA seeking assistance to return home. Among them are 12 students pursuing MBBS at Kerman University of Medical Sciences in Iran, and a group from Kerala that had traveled to Tehran for business purposes. The students are currently safe in their dormitories, and their details have been communicated to the Indian Embassy in Tehran through the Ministry of External Affairs. The business group has traveled approximately 10 hours from Tehran to a place called Yazd. From Yazd, a 4-hour journey will take them to the Bandar Abbas port, from where they can travel to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.

A significant number of Keralites, including caregivers, paramedical staff, nurses, and students, are currently in Israel. To support those in need, the Ministry of External Affairs has set up a call center, and help desks are operational at the Indian Embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv. NORKA also has its call center ready to assist, said the CEO.

Around 1,500 Indian students in Iran Approximately 1,500 Indian students are currently studying at various institutions across Iran, including Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, and Kerman University of Medical Sciences.

Emergency Contact Details Ministry of External Affairs – Control Room

1800 118 797 (Toll Free) +91-11-23012113 +91-11-23014104 +91-11-23017905 +91-9968291988 (Whatsapp)

Email: situationroom@mea.gov.in

Indian Embassy – Tehran (Call only):

+98 9128109115 / +98 9128109109 WhatsApp: +98 901044557 / +98 9015993320 / +91 8086871709

Bandar Abbas: +98 9177699036 Zahedan: +98 9396356649

Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in

Indian Embassy – Tel Aviv:

+97254-7520711 / +97254-3278392

Email: cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in

NORKA Global Contact Center: 1800 425 3939 (Toll-Free – within India) +91-8802012345 (International missed call service)