Borderline decisions: How India-Pak tensions are affecting study abroad dreams

India Today

14-05-2025

It's not just soldiers at the border feeling the heat. Students thousands of kilometres away are caught in the middle too, watching the news with growing concern.The rising tensions between India and Pakistan have done more than spark political debates -- they've rattled the hopes of young Indians preparing for their next big move: studying abroad.Education consultants say they've been swamped with questions in the past week. And it's not about applications or entrance exams. It's about safety. Should they still go? What if airspace routes change? What if visa processes slow down?advertisementGaurav Batra, CEO of Infinite Group, put it plainly: 'The uncertainty and instability caused by geopolitical tensions are making students and parents rethink their study abroad plans.'Some are cautiously weighing their options. Others are now leaning towards countries seen as more stable, trying to avoid what feels like geopolitical whiplash.He advises students not to throw their dreams out the window just yet. 'Plan smartly, build financial buffers, and don't abandon long-term aspirations due to short-term disruptions,' Batra said.According to him, while the impact may feel intense right now, it's likely temporary -- but it could definitely steer students towards destinations that feel safer in the long run.WHEN SAFETY MEETS STRATEGYYatharth Gulati, co-founder of Rostrum Education, echoes similar thoughts -- but adds that this shift has already been brewing.advertisementTensions like these only magnify a trend that's been underway for a while: students moving beyond brand-name universities and focusing more on safety, affordability, and the promise of stability after graduation.'Canada, the UK, and the US still attract students, but rising concerns around visa uncertainties and post-study work opportunities are pushing many towards countries like Germany, Ireland, and the UAE,' he explained.Students now want a full package. It's not just about academic rankings. Gulati says they're asking: will I be safe there? Will I get to work after graduation? Is there a path to settle down if I choose to stay?
At Rostrum, the advice is clear: pick universities not just for their name, but for how well they align with your goals.'We suggest students balance reputation with real-world factors like cultural compatibility, living expenses, and long-term settlement prospects,' he said.NOT TIME TO PANIC, SAY GLOBAL EXPERTSDespite the rising concerns, experts also urge people not to jump to conclusions. According to Piyush Kumar, Regional Director-South Asia, Canada and LATAM at IDP Education, there's little reason to believe that the India-Pakistan situation will throw international education off course -- at least not yet.advertisement'It is important to note that there will be no impact of the current geopolitical tension on Indian students planning to study overseas,' Kumar said.Yes, there could be minor delays if things escalate -- maybe visa processing gets a little slower, or certain flights face added checks. But he's confident that the international education system is built to weather these storms.'In fact, if at all things go south, many parents would prefer their children to be abroad for safety purposes,' Kumar added. So while it's wise to stay informed, there's no need to spiral into panic-mode or pull out of plans prematurely.AIRSPACE, ADVISORIES, AND COMMON SENSESaurabh Arora, founder and CEO of University Living, brings in a global perspective. He points out that even in war-affected zones like Ukraine or regions facing diplomatic friction like Israel-Iran, students have continued to travel and pursue education in Europe and elsewhere.'There's no need to worry unless you're specifically travelling between Pakistan and another country,' he explained. 'Authorities are well aware of the travel patterns -- if your plans don't involve that route, there's no major concern.'
advertisementTravel continues, he says, and things are gradually returning to normal. According to him, tensions like this are nothing new -- and they only make it more important to engage in cultural exchange, not less. 'Through these interactions, we can build a more connected and peaceful world,' Arora added.But being hopeful doesn't mean being careless. He advises students to follow travel advisories closely and adjust their plans accordingly.WHAT LIES AHEADIn the short term, yes -- there's confusion, some nervousness, and a definite shift in preferences. Germany and Ireland are climbing the ranks for Indian students, especially those wanting safety and job opportunities. Even the UAE is getting more attention.But long-term, most experts agree that Indian students will continue to be welcome around the world. They bring academic strength and diverse perspectives -- two things the global education system values deeply.So what's the bottom line? Students shouldn't make knee-jerk decisions. It's okay to pause, rethink, maybe even apply to an extra country just in case. But this is not the end of international education dreams. Far from it.It's just one more reminder that while politics may shift quickly, well-informed decisions -- especially about education -- need to be made with a calm head and a long view.Tune InMust Watch