Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, the Indian government initiated "Operation Sindhu" to safely evacuate Indian nationals from Iran. The first flight, carrying 110 Indian students, landed in New Delhi in the early hours of June 19, 2025, after departing from Yerevan, Armenia.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the launch of Operation Sindhu in response to the deteriorating security situation in Iran. The Indian Embassy in Tehran played a crucial role in facilitating the evacuation, assisting students in moving from northern Iran to Armenia via road on June 17, 2025. The students then boarded a special flight from Yerevan's Zvartnots International Airport at 2:55 PM (IST) on June 18, 2025.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced the commencement of Operation Sindhu, emphasizing India's commitment to the safety and security of its citizens abroad. The government expressed gratitude to the governments of Iran and Armenia for their cooperation in ensuring the smooth evacuation process.
The evacuated students, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir, were enrolled in various medical and professional courses in Iran. Reports indicated that some Indian students sustained injuries in an Israeli strike on a student dormitory in Tehran, further underscoring the urgency of the evacuation efforts.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has been providing assistance to Indian nationals in Iran, helping them relocate from high-risk areas to safer locations within the country. The embassy is also coordinating subsequent evacuations using available resources. Indian nationals in Iran are advised to stay in close contact with the embassy through its emergency helpline and with the MEA's 24/7 Control Room in New Delhi.
Operation Sindhu follows similar evacuation operations launched by the Indian government in the past, such as Operation Ajay in Israel (2023) and Operation Ganga in Ukraine (2022). These operations demonstrate India's proactive approach to protecting its citizens in conflict zones.
As tensions in the Middle East remain high, the Indian government continues to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens in the region. Additional phases of Operation Sindhu are expected to proceed as developments unfold.
