Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, India has launched "Operation Sindhu" to evacuate its citizens from the war-hit region. The first flight carrying 110 Indian students, primarily from northern Iran, has landed in Delhi in the early hours of June 19, 2025. The students were initially evacuated from northern Iran on June 17 and were assisted by the Indian Embassy to safely cross over into Armenia.
The students traveled by road to Yerevan, the Armenian capital, under the supervision of the Indian missions in Iran and Armenia. From Yerevan's Zvartnots International Airport, they departed on a special flight on June 18 at 2:55 PM IST, en route to New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed gratitude to the governments of Iran and Armenia for their cooperation in ensuring the smooth facilitation of this evacuation process.
"Operation Sindhu" was initiated in response to the deteriorating security situation in Iran, with fears rising of potential military strikes. The Indian government has been actively monitoring the situation and taking steps to ensure the safety and security of its nationals residing in Iran. The MEA emphasized that India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad. As part of the ongoing operation, the Indian Embassy in Iran has been assisting a large number of Indian nationals, moving them from areas experiencing increased hostilities to safer locations within the country, with the goal of eventual evacuation.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has been a crucial point of contact for Indian nationals, providing assistance and guidance. The MEA has also established a 24/7 Control Room in New Delhi to address concerns and provide support to those affected and their families. Indian nationals in Iran are strongly advised to remain in close contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran through its emergency helpline and to utilize the 24/7 Control Room in New Delhi for any assistance needed.
It is estimated that over 4,000 Indian nationals reside in Iran, with approximately half being students. Many of these students are from the region of Jammu and Kashmir and are pursuing medical and other professional degrees. The safe return of these students is of paramount importance to the Indian government.
Notably, some reports indicate that a few Indian students sustained injuries in a strike in Tehran, although details remain limited. Iranian embassy officials in Delhi have stated that the Iranian Foreign Ministry is in close communication with the Indian mission in Tehran regarding the matter.
This is not the first time that the Indian government has launched such an operation. In the past, "Operation Ajay" was initiated in 2023 to bring back Indian citizens from Israel during the conflict with Hamas, and "Operation Ganga" was launched in 2022 to evacuate Indian students from Ukraine following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. These efforts underscore India's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens in challenging international circumstances.
