Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, India has been actively working to repatriate its citizens from Iran. As part of "Operation Sindhu," a series of evacuation flights have been organized to bring Indian nationals back home, prioritizing their safety and security. On June 21, 2025, a Mahan Air flight carrying approximately 280 Indian citizens, a majority of whom were students from Jammu and Kashmir, successfully landed in Delhi. This flight was part of a larger effort to evacuate over 1,100 Indians from Iran, demonstrating the Indian government's commitment to the well-being of its citizens abroad.
The recent escalation in the region, triggered by Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, has led to heightened concerns for the safety of Indian nationals residing in Iran. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Indian government, through its Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), initiated "Operation Sindhu" to facilitate the safe return of its citizens. The operation involved close coordination with Iranian authorities to ensure the smooth and secure passage of evacuation flights.
The evacuated Indians, many of whom were students pursuing professional courses, had been temporarily relocated from Tehran to safer locations such as Qom and Mashhad. This strategic move aimed to minimize their exposure to potential risks amidst the ongoing conflict. The Indian embassy in Iran played a crucial role in assisting the nationals with their relocation and coordinating their departure. The first of the evacuation flights, also operated by Mahan Air, arrived in Delhi, bringing much-needed relief to the anxious families awaiting the return of their loved ones.
In addition to the flight carrying 280 Indians, earlier evacuation efforts saw the return of approximately 827 Indian nationals. A special flight from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, also contributed to the evacuation efforts, bringing in more citizens who had been moved out of Iran. With these combined efforts, over 1,100 Indian nationals have been successfully evacuated from Iran as of June 22, 2025. The MEA spokesperson confirmed that "Operation Sindhu" remains ongoing, with additional flights planned to bring back more Indian citizens who wish to return home.
The Indian government has also extended its support to citizens of neighboring countries, Nepal and Sri Lanka, who are currently in Iran and wish to be evacuated. The Indian Embassy in Iran has offered assistance and has asked citizens of these countries to register with the embassy to facilitate their evacuation.
The evacuation process has not been without its challenges. The closure of Iranian airspace due to the regional conflict required delicate negotiations to secure overflight permissions. Iranian authorities eased airspace restrictions to enable the safe evacuation of Indian nationals, showcasing the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries.
As "Operation Sindhu" progresses, the Indian government continues to monitor the situation closely and provide assistance to its citizens in need. The successful evacuation of over 1,100 Indians underscores India's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and ensuring their safe return during times of crisis.
