Amidst the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, India continues its efforts to repatriate its citizens under Operation Sindhu. A recent evacuation flight carrying 311 Indian nationals from Iran landed safely in Delhi, bringing the total number of Indians brought back to over 1,400. This comes as tensions in the region have risen sharply following reported US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and continued exchanges between Israel and Iran.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating the evacuation efforts. The majority of those evacuated are students who were studying in Iranian universities. Many of these students hail from Jammu and Kashmir, whose families expressed immense relief and gratitude to the Indian government for ensuring their safe return. The Jammu and Kashmir Students' Association released a statement thanking the government for its swift action and coordination with Iranian authorities.
Operation Sindhu was launched in response to the escalating hostilities, which began last week when Israel initiated "Operation Rising Lion," targeting Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. Israel claimed that Iran was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons, a claim that fueled further escalation. The situation intensified when the United States joined the offensive, launching airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
The evacuation process has been logistically complex, requiring close cooperation with Iranian authorities. Iran has eased airspace restrictions to facilitate the departure of Indian nationals, demonstrating a willingness to assist in the evacuation efforts despite the ongoing conflict. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has also been working to ensure the safe transit and welfare of Indian nationals, extending its support to citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka upon requests from their respective governments.
While Operation Sindhu initially focused on evacuating Indian citizens from Iran, the MEA has also begun evacuating Indian nationals from Israel. Approximately 18,000 Indian nationals reside in Israel, and the Indian government has stated that it will facilitate the return of those who wish to leave. The evacuation from Israel is expected to involve a combination of land routes and air travel. However, the first evacuation from Israel has faced delays following the US airstrikes on Iran.
The ongoing conflict has raised concerns about regional stability and the safety of civilians. India's evacuation efforts reflect its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and providing assistance during times of crisis. As the situation continues to unfold, the Indian government remains vigilant and prepared to take necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its nationals in the region.
