Amidst the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, India has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens in the region. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been in close contact with his counterparts in both countries, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.
On June 13, 2025, as tensions soared following Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, Jaishankar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. During these conversations, he conveyed the international community's deep concern over the unfolding events and urged both sides to avoid any escalatory measures.
Recognizing the potential risks to Indian nationals residing in Iran and Israel, the Indian government launched "Operation Sindhu" to safely evacuate its citizens from the conflict zones. As part of this operation, India has been working closely with both Iranian and Armenian authorities to facilitate the evacuation process.
Jaishankar has specifically thanked Iran for its cooperation in aiding the safe return of Indian nationals. The Iranian government eased airspace restrictions to allow special flights to depart from Iranian cities, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring the safety of Indian citizens.
As of June 21, 2025, India had successfully evacuated 827 citizens from Iran through special flights, with the first flight originating from Mashhad and landing in Delhi on the same day. In addition to its own citizens, India has also extended assistance to Nepal and Sri Lanka, evacuating their nationals from Iran upon request, showcasing India's commitment to regional cooperation and humanitarian assistance. Nepal's Foreign Minister Arzu Deuba expressed gratitude to Jaishankar for India's swift efforts in evacuating Nepali nationals, highlighting the strong ties between the two countries.
Beyond the immediate evacuation efforts, India remains deeply concerned about the broader implications of the Iran-Israel conflict for regional peace and stability. With strong strategic partnerships with both Iran and Israel, India has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis. The Indian government has also disassociated itself from statements of condemnation, instead choosing to maintain a neutral stance and encourage both sides to exercise restraint.
The conflict has raised concerns about India's connectivity plans, particularly the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor, which requires connectivity through Arab countries and Israel. The crisis has also affected India's investments in the Chabahar port project and the International North-South Transport Corridor, which are vital for trade and connectivity to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Eurasia.
Looking ahead, India's primary focus remains on ensuring the safety of its citizens and promoting de-escalation in the region. By maintaining open lines of communication with both Iran and Israel and providing assistance to neighboring countries, India hopes to play a constructive role in resolving the conflict and fostering a more peaceful and stable West Asia.
