Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Indian government launched "Operation Sindhu" to safely evacuate its citizens from conflict zones. On June 24, 2025, the operation saw a significant milestone as 165 Indian nationals were successfully evacuated from Israel and brought back to Delhi. The returnees were greeted with immense relief and cheers as they arrived on Indian soil.
The special flight, an Indian Air Force C-17, landed in Delhi after arriving from Amman, Jordan. Upon arrival, the evacuees were warmly received by Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Dr. L Murugan, who assured them of the government's unwavering commitment to their safety and well-being. This evacuation is part of a larger effort by the Indian government to bring home its citizens caught in the middle of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Many of the evacuees shared emotional accounts of their experiences, highlighting the tense and uncertain situation they faced in Israel. "The situation there was very tense and getting worse by the day," one evacuee recounted. "We are extremely grateful to be back safely in India." Another expressed profound relief and thanked the Indian government for its swift action, stating, "The support and quick action by the Indian government gave us hope and courage during those difficult times."
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been actively providing updates on the progress of Operation Sindhu. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad remain the government's highest priority. He lauded the successful coordination efforts that made these evacuations possible, ensuring the safe passage and return of Indian citizens.
The conflict between Israel and Iran intensified on June 13 when Israel launched a massive airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, codenamed “Operation Rising Lion.” In retaliation, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a large-scale drone and missile campaign called “Operation True Promise 3,” targeting Israeli fuel production and energy facilities. Further exacerbating the situation, the United States conducted precision airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites under “Operation Midnight Hammer.”
Operation Sindhu joins the ranks of previous successful evacuation missions undertaken by the Indian government, such as Operation Ganga (Ukraine), Operation Devi Shakti (Afghanistan), Operation Kaveri (Sudan), and Operation Ajay (Israel). These operations underscore India's commitment to protecting its citizens in times of international crises.
In addition to the evacuation from Israel, India has also been actively evacuating its citizens from Iran. A special flight from Mashhad to New Delhi evacuated 161 Indian nationals. Overall, Operation Sindhu has facilitated the return of over 2,200 Indians from Iran and over 600 from Israel. The Indian government has been coordinating these efforts through special flights from various locations, including Mashhad, Yerevan, and Ashgabat.
The successful execution of Operation Sindhu demonstrates India's capabilities as a credible "first responder" in international crises, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad. As tensions in the Middle East remain high, the Indian government continues to closely monitor the situation and provide assistance to those who wish to return home.
