Karnataka NRI Forum assures help for Kannadigas stuck in Iran, Israel

Bengaluru, Jun 18 (PTI) The NRI forum of the Karnataka government on Wednesday said it was taking steps to ensure the safe return of NRIs from the state stranded in conflict-hit Iran and Israel.

With tensions escalating between the two nations, the forum noted growing concern among families of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and students from Karnataka who are currently residing in these countries.

“The NRI Forum of the Government of Karnataka is in continuous touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian embassies in Iran and Israel. We are taking necessary steps to ensure protection and safe return of NRIs from Karnataka residing in these countries,” a statement issued by the Forum read.

It added that a large number of Kannadigas—particularly from Bengaluru and Alipur village in Gauribidanur taluk of Chikkaballapur district—had traveled to Tehran and nearby areas for education, religious studies, tourism, and employment.

In light of rising concerns, Arathi Krishna, vice-chairperson of the NRI Forum of the state government, has written to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Iran, urging immediate steps to relocate these NRIs to safer locations and arrange their return to India, Krishna’s officer on special duty H S Satish said in a statement.

He said the Ministry of External Affairs has already moved over 5,000 NRIs from Iran to safer areas. Contingency plans are in place for evacuation through neighbouring countries if the situation deteriorates further. PTI GMS GMS ROH