Amid escalating tensions in Iran, triggered by the ongoing conflict with Israel, India has broadened its evacuation operation, "Operation Sindhu," to include citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka. This decision follows formal requests from the respective governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka, seeking assistance in ensuring the safety and repatriation of their nationals.

Operation Sindhu was initially launched to evacuate Indian citizens from Iran, with the first phase focusing on students. As of June 21, 2025, over 500 Indian nationals have already been evacuated through special flights and facilitated border movements. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is coordinating the effort, working closely with local authorities to identify and assist those who wish to return home.

The expansion of Operation Sindhu to include Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens highlights India's commitment to regional cooperation and humanitarian assistance. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reaffirmed its dedication to the safety and security of all nationals abroad, emphasizing that India accords the highest priority to such matters.

The evacuation process involves several logistical challenges. With airspace restrictions in place, Iran has made a special concession by opening its airspace for evacuation flights. The evacuation route involves relocating citizens from Tehran to Mashhad via Qom. In a parallel effort, some Indian students were evacuated overland to Armenia, from where they flew out of Yerevan on June 18.

The conflict between Iran and Israel has intensified, marked by retaliatory missile and drone attacks. These attacks have resulted in significant casualties and widespread damage, particularly in and around Tehran. The deteriorating security conditions have prompted many countries to evacuate their citizens from Iran.

India has a history of conducting successful evacuation operations in conflict zones. These include Operation Ganga in 2022 to evacuate students from Ukraine, Operation Devi Shakti in 2021 to bring back citizens from Afghanistan, and various missions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2006, the Indian Navy launched Operation Sukoon to rescue not only Indian citizens but also citizens of Sri Lanka and Nepal from Beirut, Lebanon. The current operation demonstrates India's continued ability to respond swiftly and effectively to crises affecting its citizens and those of neighboring countries.

The Indian government has expressed gratitude to the Iranian and Armenian authorities for their cooperation in facilitating the evacuation process. As Operation Sindhu continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safe and orderly return of all those who wish to leave Iran, demonstrating India's role as a reliable partner in the region during times of crisis.