Zubi Zaidi, a medical student from Noida, India, has returned home safely after being stranded in Iran amidst escalating conflict. Her return comes days after a desperate plea to her father, "Papa, save me," which highlighted the perilous situation faced by Indian students in the region. Zaidi landed in Delhi on Saturday, June 21, 2025, aboard an evacuation flight arranged by the Indian government under "Operation Sindhu."
On June 13, Zaidi sent a message to her father explaining that a military base near her location in Iran had been struck by Israel. Her message conveyed the fear and uncertainty she was experiencing, ending with the ominous words, "I am going to sleep now. You will know tomorrow if I am alive or not." This message prompted immediate action to ensure her safety and evacuation.
Upon her arrival at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, Zaidi, visibly relieved, recounted her experiences to NDTV. Standing alongside her emotional father, she described witnessing interceptions and bombings, with one attack occurring close to her residence. Zaidi expressed her gratitude to both the Indian and Iranian governments for their efforts in evacuating the students. She explained that the Indian embassy provided significant assistance, relocating them first to Qom and then to Mashhad, from where they were eventually flown back to India after Iran opened its airspace.
Zaidi was among the initial group of nearly 1,000 Indian nationals evacuated from Iran as part of "Operation Sindhu". The operation was launched in response to the rising tensions between Iran and Israel, which had created a dangerous environment for Indian citizens, particularly students, residing in Iran. Many of these students are from Jammu and Kashmir.
Another student, Syeda Farwa from Jammu and Kashmir, reported witnessing drone attacks while in Iran. While grateful for the evacuation, Farwa expressed her desire to return to Iran once the situation improves.
The successful evacuation was made possible by Iran's decision to lift its airspace restrictions for India's "Operation Sindhu." This allowed three flights to operate, bringing back stranded Indian nationals. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), over 800 Indians have been repatriated through this operation.
Mohammad Javad Hosseini, the deputy chief of mission at the Iranian embassy, indicated that further evacuation flights could be organized if needed, as approximately 10,000 Indians reside in Iran, and those wishing to return are being assisted.
The Israeli military confirmed that it had struck Iran's nuclear research facility in Isfahan for the second time. Isfahan was targeted early in the crisis as part of Israel’s objective to dismantle Iran's nuclear program.
Other students returning from Iran shared similar harrowing experiences. One student, Mizban, described seeing dead bodies and hearing blasts, while another, an MBBS scholar at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, spoke of "a journey full of struggles" and expressed immense gratitude to the Indian Embassy and government for their timely intervention. The returnees chanted "Vande Mataram" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai" upon arrival, expressing their relief and patriotism.
Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa), MEA, confirmed the arrival of the evacuation flight and highlighted Iran's cooperation in opening its airspace as a reflection of the strong ties between the two countries. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association also conveyed their appreciation to the Indian government and all involved authorities for their prompt support, acknowledging the great relief brought to the families of the students.
