Swift Evacuation Amid Rising Tensions
In the early hours of June 19, the first flight under “Operation Sindhu” landed in Delhi, carrying over 100 Indian students evacuated from conflict-hit Iran. This makeshift airlift marks a critical milestone as India intensifies efforts to bring home its nationals caught in the Israel‑Iran conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with Indian embassies in Tehran, Yerevan, and Doha, orchestrated the mission starting June 17, when 110 students crossed into Armenia for onward travel to India.
Operation Sindhu: A Life‑Saving Initiative
Codenamed “Operation Sindhu,” the evacuation mirrors prior missions like Operation Ganga in Ukraine. It represents India’s unwavering commitment to its citizens abroad. After crossing into Armenia under tight embassy supervision, students boarded a special flight from Yerevan on June 18 and arrived in New Delhi early on June 19. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh personally welcomed them at the airport, underscoring its national importance.
Journey Through Danger Zones
Sources report that students endured a harrowing journey: navigating missile strikes, power outages, and an intact internet blackout in Tehran. Embassies coordinated continuous communication via helplines and control rooms to guide them through evacuation routes into Armenia and then to India. One student described seeing missiles from their dormitory, while another expressed deep gratitude for consistent embassy support during the crisis.
Emotional Reunion in Delhi
Families of the returning students gathered at the airport, many with tears of joy. One relieved mother shared that she was “just happy my daughter is home,” while several students expressed relief and described the evacuation as smooth and well-coordinated. This poignant reunion highlighted the mission’s humanitarian success and government responsiveness.
Broader Context: Regional Fallout and Global Efforts
The evacuation happened against the backdrop of one of the most volatile periods in recent memory. The Israel‑Iran conflict, ignited by missile strikes and counter‑attacks, triggered widespread military and civilian impact across the region. Middle Eastern airspace faced heightened risk, forcing many nations, including India, the EU, the U.S., and China, to launch urgent rescue missions via land, sea, and air. India’s approach prioritized safe transit through Armenia and forward flying from Yerevan, demonstrating logistical agility under crisis.
MEA and Diplomatic Coordination
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that over 4,000 Indian nationals, many of them students, still remain in Iran. More evacuation flights are being planned along alternative routes, such as via Turkmenistan. Online embassy helplines and control rooms are operational 24/7 to assist anyone wishing to leave the war-affected region. Government assurances indicate that this is just the first in what is expected to be a series of rescue flights.
Voices from the Ground
Evacuees described the evacuation as “swift and efficient,” crediting embassy staff with continuous updates despite communication blackouts. One student said, “We couldn’t call anyone; only the embassy kept us informed.” Another shared, “We saw drones and missiles from our dormitory window,” reflecting the dire situation they endured before being safely airlifted.
Hope for Returning Students
Despite the turmoil, many evacuated students remain determined to resume their studies once peace is restored. They voiced hopes of returning to Iran after the crisis abates. Meanwhile, families and government officials expressed relief that “no Indian was left behind,” emphasizing the moral and emotional weight of the operation.
A Model for Crisis Evacuation
Operation Sindhu underscores India’s growing proficiency in citizen evacuation and crisis management. Coordinated partnerships with regional allies like Armenia and Qatar were essential to ensuring smooth transit. The mission’s success sends a clear message: Indian nationals worldwide can rely on their government in times of distress. Lessons learned here will likely shape future preparedness plans.
What Lies Ahead
With the situation in Iran still evolving and tens of thousands of Indians, including at least 1,500–2,000 students, yet to be evacuated, India is preparing multiple flights. Coordination continues with foreign governments and airlines to navigate limited airspace options. The focus remains on ensuring safe passage for every stranded individual.
Looking Back at India’s Rescue Legacy
Operation Sindhu joins a series of high-stakes evacuation missions by India in recent years. Whether Operation Ganga in Ukraine (2022), Operation Ajay from Israel (2023), or evacuations during the Sudan conflict (2023), India has built a strong reputation for proactive and efficient citizen rescue. Through these operations, the country reaffirms its sovereign and humanitarian stance, demonstrating that no crisis is too distant when the safety of its people is at stake.
Operation Sindhu not only brought students home, it stood as a testament to meticulous planning, international cooperation, and unwavering resolve. As more evacuees return and others await rescue, the story continues to evolve, just as India evolves its crisis response, ensuring that its citizens remain at the heart of global strategy.
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