India vows support to Cyprus's territorial integrity in response to Turkiye siding with Pakistan
Modi is currently visiting Cyprus, the first leg of his three-nation tour. This is the first visit of an Indian prime minister to Cyprus in over two decades.
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The Wire
36 minutes ago
- The Wire
With Iran-Israel Conflict In Fourth Day, Many Indians in Tehran Bussed Out, Some Remain Stranded
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now World With Iran-Israel Conflict In Fourth Day, Many Indians in Tehran Bussed Out, Some Remain Stranded The Wire Staff 19 minutes ago Internet issues meant some were unable to receive information on time. Meanwhile, others still headed to Iran's borders on their own. Smoke rises from an oil storage facility on June 16, 2025 after it appeared to have been struck by an Israeli strike on Saturday. Photo: AP/PTI. Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now New Delhi: As the skies over Iran turned perilous, residents of the capital and other major cities began fleeing to safer areas, clogging highways as traffic built up with those trying to leave. Among them were Indian nationals being bussed out, though many remained stranded, either unable to navigate the gridlocked city or having missed their transportation altogether. While Israel had targeted nuclear sites and military infrastructure, missile strikes also began hitting civilian neighbourhoods, intensifying fears across the country. Images circulating on social media showed long lines of cars jammed on Tehran's arterial roads as families tried to escape the capital. According to official figures, more than 200 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Iran, while Iranian retaliatory strikes have claimed the lives of at least 24 in Israel. In the early hours of Monday (June 17), the Ministry of External Affairs issued a short statement that the Indian embassy was going to relocate students to other places in Iran. Earlier, on Sunday, two Indian students received minor injuries after their hostel in Tehran was hit in an Israeli strike, which amplified the sense of anxiety prevalent since Friday. More than 10,000 Indian nationals live across Iran. Students, the majority of whom hail from Kashmir, account for about 20% of that figure. One message instructed Indian students to report by 9:30 am to gate no. 2 of 'Velenjak University', from where buses had been arranged. 'No Indian student should stay back in the boys' or girls' dormitories or in private apartments,' the message warned. 'Please ensure this message is widely circulated and followed without exception.' In the same online coordination group, another organiser issued a blunt directive: 'We need everyone in Tehran to leave today. Please spread the word.' Tourists and business travellers on short-term visas were also urged to make their way to the departure point. But navigating a sprawling city like Tehran with minimal access to local transport or reliable internet proved daunting. 'Is this gate number 2?' wrote one Iranian national who was helping her Indian friend locate the bus stop, attaching a photo of a university gate for confirmation. Others had their relatives in India try to get information as they could not get onto the internet themselves. One woman said her husband was in Tehran's industrial district and asked whether he should move. Another person shared, 'My parents are in Mashhad, and I don't know whether to send them to Tehran or wait for instructions there.' The difficulty in accessing the internet meant that there were intermittent complaints from people unable to access the registration forms needed to get on the embassy's radar. By the end of the day, approximately 600 Indian students had been evacuated from Tehran and were en route to Qom, about 140 kilometres to the capital's south. The majority were enrolled at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Iran University of Medical Sciences and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Separate arrangements were also made for Indian students studying at the Urmia University of Medical Sciences in the country's far west. But it was clear that many Indian nationals remained in Tehran – some of them unable to receive the information in time. There were also Indians who chose, at least for now, to stay put. 'I want to leave too, but it is not about if, but how. All the roads, highways to Qom are blocked,' said Tejpal Singh Sahni, a Delhi-based businessman who had arrived a week earlier on a business visa. 'The area I'm staying in is relatively unscathed. I'm in touch with ten to 12 other Indians in Tehran and we're all coordinating on what to do,' he told The Wire. Adding to the confusion was a flurry of misinformation. Some social media posts falsely claimed that Indians had been asked to leave Iran within 48 hours. Screenshots of the posts circulated widely, prompting repeated clarifications from more reliable channels debunking them as fake news. With the Iranian airspace shut, alternatives like travelling via Azerbaijan, Armenia or Turkey gained traction. An Indian who went to a border crossing between Iran and Azerbaijan posted that he was not allowed to cross until the Azerbaijani embassy provided clearance based on a letter from the Indian embassy. Until a day earlier, the official advice from the Indian embassy was not to travel through land and maritime routes, with only those near the border making such attempts. But several Indians noted that they had managed to get to a 'safer' place and would prefer facilitation at the border, as most border crossings require visas from Indian passport holders. The challenges of reaching the border remained formidable. When an Indian left behind in Tehran enquired if there will be more buses, an official coordinator had said candidly that it was not clear if the road to Qom was 'safe anymore'. Late on Monday night, the Israeli Air Force claimed to have bombed a truck carrying weapons on a highway between Tehran and Qom, heightening fears. Qom had become a de facto safe zone, with Indians from Tehran and other cities like Qazvin and Arak now gathering there. But for those already in Qom, uncertainty loomed large. 'We are 14 people in Qom. What now?' asked one. Another confirmed, 'We too are 28 people stuck in Qom. Where should I share the list [of people present with them]?' A third added, 'Please let me know if evacuation is in process from Qom.' They were told to be patient and remain in Qom, where accommodation would be arranged, till further notice. There was also added concern about families with mixed citizenship. One woman wrote: 'I live in Qom with two Indian-nationality children. I am Iranian. How do I return to India?' Another echoed this worry from Tehran: 'I have two small children. I'm of Indian origin. Will the embassy help us evacuate?' Later in the day, Israel's military issued a warning in Persian on Monday saying it was going to strike infrastructure belonging to the Iranian military in Tehran's District 3 and urging residents to evacuate the area immediately. Shortly afterwards, an Israeli attack hit the building of a state broadcaster on camera. As night fell, pleas came in for more buses from cities that had already seen one round leave earlier in the day. Late on Monday night, it was confirmed that another batch of buses was scheduled to leave Tehran the following morning. 'Please carry your passport with yourself. Keep your luggage to minimum,' the message instructed. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News As Israeli Missiles Hit Iran, Indian Students in Tehran Are Being Relocated to Safer Areas Worried Parents of Kashmiri Students in Iran Urge Indian Govt to Explore Evacuation Methods Iran Nuclear Programme: How Did We Get Here and Where Do Israel's Strikes Leave Things? As Iran-Israel Conflict Escalates, Modi Speaks of Need for 'Early Restoration of Peace' Iranian Activists, Nobel Laureates Call For Ceasefire With Israel, Islamic Republic to Step Down 'Kidnapped, Beaten': Three Punjab Men Missing in Iran After Taking 'Dunki' Route Three Punjabi Youths Missing in Iran Rescued by Cops in Tehran In Photos: Israel After Iran's Long-Range Missile Attack Israel Bombs Iran, Targeting Nuclear Facilities, Military Leaders, Scientists; US Says It's Not Involved About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Teaching son to poop on beach': Vivek Ramaswamy again trolled; he was promoting Ohio tourism
Vivek Ramaswamy was trolled for this photograph at an Ohio beach. Whenever Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy posts his photo or his family photo, he gets heavily trolled for his Indian-origin. Social media users ask him to go to India, though Ramaswamy, the Ohio gubernatorial hopeful, was born in Cincinnati. Vivek Ramaswamy shared a photo of his son writing on the sand on the seashore as he promoted Ohio as America's next great summer tourism destination. Social media users called him an anchor baby -- a baby born to a non-citizen parent, and asked him to go to India. "Is he covering the poo he just dropped?" one comment read. "You teaching him how to poop in the sand and cover it? Very impressive," another wrote. People berated him and said Ohio sea beach should remain a hidden gem to Indians. "By New Delhi standards yes," one wrote replying to Vivek's comment that Ohio is going to be America's next great summer tourism destination. "Please don't bring more indians here. I want to keep America clean," another hate comment wrote. Some people in the comment section pointed out how Vivek Ramaswamy continues to receive hatred though he keeps putting America first and was not even born in India. A prominent Republican leader, Vivek Ramaswamy riled up the MAGA group because of his vocal support for the H-1B visa program. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo In December last year, he took a strong position in favor of the H-1B program that allows companies to hire foreign talents. But he criticized the American culture for venerating mediocrity over excellence that he alleged led to a dearth of talent. Ramaswamy was mocked for appearing barefoot in an interview. It's not only his Indian-origin or culture that drew ire, his religion has also remained a contentious issue as he is not a Christian. Ramaswamy's rapid rise and fall within MAGA circles are believed to have contributed to the ever-increasing trolling. Initially a favorite for his anti-woke stance and Trump endorsement, his critiques of American culture and exit from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) before Trump's 2025 inauguration led to a perception of disloyalty.
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Why India Stayed Out Of SCO's Condemnation Of Israel's Strikes On Iran
New Delhi: When the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) issued a strong statement condemning Israel's recent military actions in Iran, there was one country that chose to stay silent. And that nation was India. The decision caught attention, especially since the rest of the group, which includes China, Russia and several Central Asian nations, had spoken in one voice. The situation has sparked questions over why New Delhi kept its distance, and what factors might be shaping that choice. Israel continues to carry out a series of attacks targeting Iranian cities, military zones and nuclear facilities. Tehran is responding with missile strikes. The exchange has left hundreds of dead in Iran, including senior military personnel and civilians. As the violence escalated, the SCO released a joint message criticising Israel's actions – calling them a threat to international stability. The statement described the strikes as violations of international law and expressed support for a diplomatic resolution. India, however, chose not to sign the document or be part of its preparation. Where India Stands India's Ministry of External Affairs responded separately. In its statement, it urged both sides to exercise restraint and return to dialogue. It also said that New Delhi is monitoring developments closely and is concerned about any escalation, especially those involving nuclear infrastructure. India made it clear that it maintains good relations with both countries and would be willing to help bring down tensions. This position is consistent with what India has said before. In a call with Iran's foreign minister, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed concern and called for diplomacy. However, India did not directly criticise either party. A Careful Position India's silence on the SCO statement was not accidental. Unlike other member states, it has ties on both sides of this conflict. Israel has been a major defence partner. India buys a large amount of military hardware from Israel and has shared intelligence links. At the same time, Iran has been an important energy partner, and the two countries have worked closely on the development of Chabahar Port – a strategic gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia. This dual engagement places India in a sensitive spot. A public alignment with either side could strain ties with the other. India has invested heavily in the Chabahar Port project. This port is critical to India's regional plans, especially to trade with Afghanistan while bypassing Pakistan. However, renewed U.S. sanctions on Iran have complicated these efforts. India had earlier secured a waiver from Washington to continue work on Chabahar, but the return of the Trump administration has changed the picture. New restrictions could put Indian investments at risk. Meanwhile, Israel remains one of India's key security partners. The two countries have increased defence cooperation in recent years, and there are ongoing joint projects in missiles, drones and surveillance systems. Inside the SCO India's reluctance to join the SCO statement may also reflect the internal dynamics of the organisation. While the SCO includes countries like China and Russia, both of which are closer to Tehran, India's alignment has increasingly moved toward Western democracies. Analysts say that India, while part of the SCO, often finds itself in a different position on major issues compared to some of the bloc's dominant members. Just before the SCO issued its statement, India also abstained from a UN General Assembly vote calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. That move too raised eyebrows. Some experts believe India's choice at the United Nations was shaped by its broader foreign policy goals, including a pending trade deal with the United States. A closer relationship with Washington could mean keeping a distance from positions that are seen as strongly pro-Iran or anti-Israel. No Simple Answers India's foreign policy has long been based on keeping channels open with all major players. Whether it is the United Stated and Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia or Israel and Palestine, New Delhi has avoided taking sides publicly, preferring to work through quiet diplomacy. In this case, India's silence speaks to that tradition. It does not necessarily indicate support or opposition. Instead, it appears to be a reflection of New Delhi's attempt to protect its interests in a volatile region without burning bridges.
