Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Indian government has been conducting "Operation Sindhu," a large-scale effort to evacuate its citizens from Iran and Israel. As of June 26, 2025, over 4,200 individuals, primarily Indian nationals, have been successfully repatriated, with the operation spanning from Mashhad to Mumbai and Tel Aviv to Trivandrum.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been actively coordinating the operation, utilizing both commercial and special flights, as well as land routes through neighboring countries, to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has also played a crucial role, deploying its C-17 heavy-lift aircraft to transport evacuees from Israel via Jordan and Egypt.
The evacuation from Iran has been largely centered around the city of Mashhad, with special flights regularly arriving in New Delhi carrying hundreds of Indian nationals. On June 26, 2025, a special flight from Mashhad brought home 272 Indian and 3 Nepalese nationals. According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, 3,426 Indian nationals have returned from Iran under Operation Sindhu.
The situation in Israel has presented unique challenges, with citizens being moved to Jordan and Egypt via land transit points before being airlifted back to India. As of June 25, 2025, the IAF had evacuated 818 Indian nationals from Israel. Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje received 224 Indian nationals who returned to India from Israel on an IAF aircraft on June 25.
In addition to Indian citizens, "Operation Sindhu" has also extended assistance to nationals from neighboring countries, including Nepal and Sri Lanka, highlighting India's commitment to regional cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
The launch of "Operation Sindhu" followed a period of heightened conflict between Iran and Israel, including strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites. These strikes, coupled with missile exchanges and drone attacks, led to increased concerns about the safety and security of Indian nationals residing in the region.
The evacuated citizens have expressed immense relief and gratitude to the Indian government and the Indian Embassy for their support in ensuring their safe return home.
