Surge in Evacuations Amid Mounting Tensions
On Sunday, June 22, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that a special flight from Mashhad landed in Delhi carrying 311 Indian nationals, part of a massive evacuation from Iran following escalations in the Iran-Israel conflict. This brings the total number of evacuees to 1,428 as India urgently works to bring its citizens home amid fears of regional instability.
Why India Is Evacuating Citizens Now
The evacuation comes on the heels of a dramatic escalation: the United States conducted airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, on June 22, in coordination with Israel. Codenamed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” the strikes involved B‑2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles, aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities. In response, Iran has put its military on high alert and threatened retaliation, prompting fears of further conflict. Amid these developments, India launched “Operation Sindhu” to evacuate its nationals, particularly students and professionals stranded in Iran.
A Flight Full of Hope and Anxiety
The evacuees, totalling 311 on the latest flight, included students, professionals, and their families. Landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport around 4:30 p.m., the passengers were greeted by MEA officials. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the government’s priority: ensuring safe return and providing immediate assistance. While many have reunited with loved ones, others face uncertainty over future travel plans and continued regional volatility.
Operation Sindhu: A Coordinated Effort
Launched on June 18, Operation Sindhu represents India’s largest evacuation undertaking from Iran in decades. The first batch of 110 Indians flew from Tehran to Yerevan, Armenia, before arriving in Delhi. Subsequent flights evacuated over 800 individuals by June 21, with the latest on June 22 bringing the total to over 1,400. The operation also included evacuations from Israel, with about 160 Indians expected to return via Jordan by June 24.
Wider Fallout from the Strikes
The US-Israel strikes have sent shockwaves worldwide. The IAEA convened an emergency session, cautioning that such strikes risk undermining nuclear non‑proliferation efforts. European and global leaders issued calls for restraint. Turkey, Pakistan, China, Russia, and various UN officials urged diplomacy, fearing the strikes could escalate into larger regional warfare.
Airspace Chaos and Aviation Detours
The volatile situation has severely disrupted global aviation. Airlines – Air India and IndiGo among them, are rerouting flights to avoid Iranian, Iraqi, and Israeli airspace, leading to lengthy detours and delays. The airspace disruptions add logistical challenges for returning evacuees, requiring new coordination amid the ongoing crisis.
Safety of Civilians and Regional Stability
Following the strikes, Iran has activated its defence networks and reportedly moved enriched uranium to secure locations. Iran has also threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could seriously impact global oil shipments. The IAEA has reported no radiation leaks, but inspectors are barred from entering the sites, heightening concerns of hidden damage.
India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
India finds itself in a delicate position. Historically maintaining ties with both Israel and Iran, it has voiced deep concern and emphasized restraint following the strikes. MEA reaffirms the importance of safeguarding civilians. At the same time, it must navigate strategic interests, including energy security, maritime routes through the Gulf, and its diplomatic positioning in a shifting regional landscape.
What Lies Ahead for Evacuees
Evacuees arriving in Delhi will undergo medical screenings and have access to counselling, travel assistance, and temporary accommodations. The MEA has pledged to continue evacuation flights, provided evolving conditions permit safe air corridors. Priority is being given to students, elderly citizens, and those lacking local support networks. Meanwhile, an estimated several hundred Indians remain in Iran, waiting for additional flights.
Global Diplomatic Pressure for De-escalation
As the world watches, various stakeholders are urging calm. The IAEA calls for diplomacy; Russia warns that the US attacks have “opened Pandora’s box.” European leaders, the UN, and Middle East governments stress conflict prevention. Talks between the US and Iran reportedly resumed indirectly in Oman on April 12, offering a potential pathway for tension reduction.
The Road Ahead: Evacuations and Uncertainty
India’s Operation Sindhu remains active. With tensions high and no clear sign of resolution, New Delhi is working with regional partners to secure safe passage. Airspace rerouting may continue affecting flight operations. Escalation risks, retaliatory strikes or maritime blockades, could prolong instability. For evacuees, certainty hangs in the balance: some may return home soon, while others could face long stays in transit hubs.
In conclusion, India’s evacuation of over 1,400 nationals underscores the heavy human impact of geopolitical strife. As Tehran reels from unprecedented air raids and Delhi orchestrates mass repatriation, the unfolding events highlight a volatile Middle East where cascading crises threaten global stability. For hundreds of families awaiting reunion, each evacuation flight represents hope, yet they are reminders of a world increasingly interlinked and vulnerable to conflict’s ripple effects.
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