Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Sri Lanka has expressed its profound gratitude to India for extending assistance in evacuating its nationals from Iran. This act of solidarity comes as India undertakes "Operation Sindhu" to bring its own citizens home, demonstrating a commitment to regional cooperation and humanitarian aid during times of crisis.
The rapidly deteriorating security situation in Iran, fueled by intensifying conflict, prompted the Sri Lankan government to seek assistance from India. The Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs reached out to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, requesting assistance for the evacuation of Sri Lankan nationals under Operation Sindhu. Responding swiftly, India offered to include Sri Lankan citizens in its ongoing evacuation efforts.
Arun Hemachandra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, publicly thanked the Indian government for its support. He stated that this gesture exemplifies the spirit of regional solidarity and the trusted friendship that both nations have cultivated over decades. This sentiment was echoed by the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry, which conveyed its sincere appreciation to India for its timely assistance in evacuating Sri Lankan nationals alongside Indian citizens. They emphasized that this act of solidarity exemplifies the strong and enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and India, and is deeply appreciated by the people of Sri Lanka. Nepalese Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba also expressed gratitude towards India for evacuating Nepali nationals from Iran.
India's "Operation Sindhu" has been in full swing, with the Indian Embassy in Tehran actively coordinating the evacuation process. The embassy has also issued emergency contact numbers and activated a Telegram channel to facilitate effective communication and assistance for those seeking evacuation. As part of the operation, a special flight carrying Indian citizens arrived in Delhi from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Earlier, a flight carrying 290 Indian students, many from Jammu and Kashmir, landed in Delhi after departing from Mashhad, following a temporary reopening of Iranian airspace.
India's proactive approach to the crisis has been widely lauded. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has confirmed that evacuation efforts will now include citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka, following formal requests from their respective governments. This extension of assistance underscores India's growing role in regional humanitarian efforts and its commitment to the safety and well-being of its neighbors.
India's history of conducting successful evacuation operations, such as those from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and other countries, highlights its capabilities and dedication to protecting its citizens and assisting those in need during challenging times. The ongoing operation in Iran further solidifies India's position as a reliable partner and a responsible actor in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is closely monitoring the situation and providing all necessary support to ensure the safe return of Indian nationals and facilitate the evacuation of Sri Lankan and Nepalese citizens.
