Under Operation Sindhu, a special flight carrying 285 Indian nationals and one Sri Lankan national from Mashhad, Iran, landed in Delhi on Saturday night, June 22, 2025. This evacuation was initiated by the Indian government to bring its citizens back home amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
The evacuees, who hail from various states including Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, were received by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also shared the update on X, noting that with this flight, a total of 1,713 Indian nationals have been brought back from Iran under Operation Sindhu.
Many of those evacuated were students and pilgrims who had traveled to Mashhad for religious purposes. Due to the sudden escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran, these individuals faced considerable difficulties and were eager to return home. Some evacuees recounted emotional experiences of witnessing missiles and drones in the sky, highlighting the palpable fear they experienced during the conflict.
The Indian government's swift response in launching Operation Sindhu was greatly appreciated by the evacuees and their families. The Indian embassy in Iran played a crucial role in facilitating the evacuation by arranging accommodations and return flights for the stranded citizens. The MEA has expressed its commitment to ensuring the safe return of all Indian nationals from the region.
In addition to the flight from Mashhad, the government has been actively working to evacuate citizens from other Middle Eastern countries affected by the ongoing tensions. Separately, 160 Indians were evacuated from Israel and Jordan, where they had been facing missile threats.
The evacuation efforts have been praised for their efficiency and the support provided to those in distress. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association expressed their gratitude to the Government of India, the Ministry of External Affairs, and all concerned authorities for their timely intervention. They acknowledged the great relief felt by families who had been anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones.
Looking ahead, the government is planning to operate three more evacuation flights from Iran over the next two to three days. This continued effort demonstrates India's commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad, especially during times of crisis.
