New Delhi: India has launched Operation Sindhu, a major evacuation mission to bring back its nationals stranded in Iran amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. In a humanitarian gesture, the Indian government has also extended support to evacuate citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka, following official requests from both countries.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran confirmed that Nepali and Sri Lankan nationals would be included in the evacuation efforts. Emergency contact numbers have been shared for coordination, as the security situation in Iran worsens following a series of missile exchanges with Israel.
So far, 517 Indian nationals have been safely evacuated. On Friday night, a special flight operated by Iranian airline Mahan Air landed in Delhi, carrying 290 Indian students — most of them from Jammu and Kashmir — who were relocated from Tehran to Mashhad due to heavy bombardments. Earlier in the week, another group of 110 Indian students, primarily from Urmia University, were transported via Armenia and then flown from Yerevan to Delhi.
Iran, despite closing its airspace to most international flights amid the ongoing conflict, made a special exception for India. Iranian Deputy Chief of Mission Mohammad Javad Hosseini said that India was being treated as a close friend, and airspace was opened specifically to allow the safe return of Indian nationals. He also stated that around 10,000 Indians currently reside in Iran and that more evacuation flights may be arranged if needed.
Another evacuation flight from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, arrived in Delhi early Saturday morning, with a third one expected later in the day. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Operation Sindhu was launched swiftly after Israel’s surprise military offensive, Operation Rising Lion, targeted Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure on June 13. The situation rapidly escalated with both nations exchanging hundreds of missiles, prompting an urgent need for evacuation.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association thanked the Indian government for its quick action and timely rescue. “Heartfelt thanks to the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs, and all authorities involved. This has been a great relief to families awaiting their children’s return,” the association said in a statement.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued a public advisory urging all Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin in Iran to remain vigilant, limit movement, and follow local safety guidelines. Citizens were also advised to stay connected via the embassy’s official social media channels for real-time updates.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the operation. India’s efforts, he said, are focused not only on rescuing its own citizens but also on helping neighbouring countries in distress, reflecting India’s role as a responsible regional partner.
As tensions continue to escalate between Israel and Iran, Operation Sindhu remains active and ongoing, with more evacuation flights expected to provide safe passage to those caught in the conflict zone.
