As the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, India has significantly expanded its efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens in the region. Building upon the initial stages of "Operation Sindhu," which focused on evacuating Indian nationals from Iran, the Indian government has now extended the operation to include the evacuation of its citizens from Israel. This decision comes amidst escalating tensions and direct military exchanges between the two Middle Eastern nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced that "Operation Sindhu" will now facilitate the return of Indian nationals from Israel who wish to return home. Travel from Israel will be arranged through land borders, followed by air transport to India. The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv is actively coordinating these arrangements, urging all Indian citizens in Israel to register with the embassy if they haven't already done so. Contact information for the 24/7 Control Room established at the Embassy of India, Tel Aviv has been provided for queries.
This expansion of "Operation Sindhu" follows the successful evacuation of 110 Indian students from northern Iran. These students were safely moved to Armenia under the supervision of Indian missions in both Iran and Armenia. From Yerevan, the Armenian capital, they boarded a special flight that arrived in New Delhi in the early hours of June 19, 2025. The government has expressed its gratitude to the governments of Iran and Armenia for their assistance in facilitating this initial evacuation.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has raised concerns about the safety of Indian nationals in both countries. The situation has become increasingly volatile, with both sides engaging in missile strikes and other military actions. Recognizing the potential risks, the Indian government has prioritized the safety and security of its citizens and initiated "Operation Sindhu" to bring them home.
India has also issued advisories to its citizens in Iran and Israel, urging them to remain in contact with the Indian embassies and to follow the safety guidelines issued by local authorities. The embassies are providing assistance to Indian nationals, including helping them relocate from high-risk areas to safer zones within the respective countries.
The decision to extend "Operation Sindhu" to Israel highlights India's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad during times of crisis. The government is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and is prepared to take further steps as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals.
This operation is not the first time India has undertaken such efforts. In 2023, "Operation Ajay" was launched to evacuate Indians from Israel during the conflict with Hamas, and in 2022, "Operation Ganga" was initiated to bring back Indian students from Ukraine following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. These operations demonstrate India's continued dedication to its diaspora.
As "Operation Sindhu" continues, the Indian government faces logistical and diplomatic challenges in ensuring the safe passage of its citizens from a volatile region. The success of the operation will depend on close coordination between Indian embassies, local authorities, and neighboring countries, as well as the cooperation of the Indian nationals themselves.
