Amidst escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, India has undertaken a significant effort to evacuate its citizens from the conflict zones. Dubbed "Operation Sindhu," this initiative has successfully brought home over 3,170 Indian nationals, demonstrating India's commitment to the safety and well-being of its diaspora in volatile regions.
The evacuation operation was launched following a surge in hostilities between Iran and Israel, which included exchanges of missiles and drones targeting key cities, military installations, and strategic sites. The situation worsened after reported attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting swift retaliatory measures.
Given the rapidly deteriorating security landscape, the Indian government initiated Operation Sindhu to ensure the safe return of its citizens. The operation involved a multi-pronged approach, utilizing both chartered flights and the Indian Air Force's C-17 heavy-lift aircraft. Evacuees from Israel were transported to Jordan and Egypt, from where they were airlifted back to India. Chartered flights from Amman and special flights from Mashhad facilitated the return of those stranded in Iran.
As of today, India has evacuated 594 citizens from Israel, with the Indian Air Force playing a crucial role in airlifting over 400 individuals after they were moved to Jordan and Egypt. Additionally, 161 Indians who traveled by road to Amman were flown back to New Delhi on a chartered flight. From Iran, 573 Indians, along with three Sri Lankan and two Nepalese nationals, were evacuated on two chartered flights. This brings the total number of evacuees from Iran to 2,576 since the start of Operation Sindhu.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has announced that it is gradually winding up the evacuation exercise following the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. The embassy has also closed the contact desk that was opened to register new names for evacuation. However, the government of India has assured that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation and will reassess its strategy if the security of Indian nationals in Iran is threatened again.
Indians who were planning to travel to Mashhad for evacuation have been advised to remain where they are and continue to monitor news and embassy updates. Those already in Mashhad hotels arranged by the embassy have been requested to move to Sadr Hotel, as the embassy will be releasing rooms in other hotels. The embassy will retain rooms in Sadr Hotel until June 26 to allow citizens time to ensure the security situation in Iran returns to normal.
India has welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, with the Ministry of External Affairs expressing deep concern over the recent hostilities. India has also reiterated its readiness to play its part in promoting dialogue and long-term stability in the region, acknowledging the roles of the United States and Qatar in securing the truce. The MEA emphasized that diplomacy remains the only viable solution to the multiple conflicts in West Asia.
With the immediate crisis seemingly subsiding, India's focus now shifts to ensuring the well-being of its citizens who remain in the region and contributing to de-escalation efforts through diplomatic channels. Operation Sindhu stands as a testament to India's proactive approach to protecting its citizens in times of crisis and its commitment to regional peace and stability.
