Following the recent ceasefire announcement between Iran and Israel, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has announced the winding down of its evacuation operations for Indian nationals who were in Iran during the conflict. The large-scale effort, dubbed "Operation Sindhu," was initiated in response to heightened tensions and military exchanges between the two countries, aiming to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens from potentially affected areas.
The Indian government has been closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, expressing deep concern over regional security and stability. With the announcement of a ceasefire brokered with the help of the US and Qatar, the immediate threat to Indian nationals in Iran has seemingly subsided. As a result, the Indian Embassy has closed its contact desk, which was set up to register new individuals seeking evacuation assistance.
However, the Embassy has emphasized that the Indian government remains vigilant and will continue to assess the evolving situation. Should there be any renewed threats to the security of Indian citizens in Iran, the government stands ready to reassess its strategy and take necessary measures.
During the evacuation efforts, the Indian Embassy in Tehran provided assistance to Indian nationals scattered across Iran, especially those who had travelled to Mashhad in anticipation of being evacuated. Indians who are in other parts of Iran, but were planning to travel to Mashhad for evacuation, are advised to remain where they are, and continue to monitor the news, as well as any updated advice issued by the embassy. Those Indians who had already travelled to Mashhad in the last few days, and are staying in one of the hotels arranged by the Embassy, are requested to shift to Sadr hotel, because the Embassy will be releasing the rooms in other hotels. The embassy will retain the rooms in Sadr hotel for 2 more nights (until checkout time on June 26). This will also allow citizens time to assure themselves that the security situation in Iran is indeed returning to normal.
The Ministry of External Affairs has welcomed the ceasefire, stating that India "stands ready to play its part" in diplomatic efforts to promote lasting peace and stability in the region. This reflects India's commitment to de-escalation and peaceful resolution of conflicts in the Middle East, a region of significant strategic and economic importance to India.
Prior to the ceasefire, many Indians within Iran were expressing their anxieties and appealing for a temporary halt to hostilities to facilitate their evacuation. The closure of Iranian airspace due to the conflict had posed significant challenges to air evacuation efforts, prompting consideration of alternative evacuation methods, including sea routes from southern Iranian ports.
As Operation Sindhu draws to a close, it underscores the Indian government's commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad, especially in times of crisis. The swift and decisive action taken by the Indian Embassy in Tehran, with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs, has provided reassurance to the Indian community in Iran and demonstrated the government's capability to respond effectively to evolving security challenges in the region. The Indian government evacuated over 1,100 citizens from Iran and Israel amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, taking the number of evacuees under Operation Sindhu to 3,170.
