In response to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, the Government of India has launched Operation Sindhu, a large-scale evacuation effort aimed at bringing home Indian nationals stranded in Iran. As the situation in the region grows increasingly volatile, with airstrikes, missile attacks, and civil disruptions affecting major cities like Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad, India has acted decisively to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Since the operation’s launch on June 18, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs, along with Indian embassies in Iran and Armenia, has coordinated the evacuation of over 827 Indian nationals through a series of special repatriation flights. Students, pilgrims, medical tourists, and workers have been airlifted via neighboring countries including Armenia and Turkmenistan. The third flight under the mission landed in Delhi early this morning, carrying Indians from Ashgabat after being moved across borders safely.
A major breakthrough came when Iran allowed its airspace to be used for evacuation, enabling India to plan direct relief corridors to evacuate nearly 1,000 students—many of them enrolled in medical universities in cities like Urmia and Tabriz. These students reported intense shelling, alarms, and chaotic campus lockdowns as the conflict worsened.
Indian authorities have been proactive, setting up 24x7 helplines, deploying consular teams to affected zones, arranging temporary shelters, food, water, and emergency medical aid. Families in India, especially in regions like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, have expressed relief as their loved ones return safely amid ongoing hostilities.
Operation Sindhu stands as a testament to India’s diplomatic strength, swift crisis response, and deep commitment to the welfare of its people abroad. With more flights scheduled in the coming days and additional citizens awaiting transport, the mission continues with full momentum, even as international efforts to de-escalate the conflict remain uncertain.