New Delhi – In a bold and swift move, the Indian government launched Operation Sindhu to safely bring home Indian nationals stranded in Iran amid the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. The mission, coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), has successfully evacuated 110 Indian students from the northern region of Iran. These students have now begun their journey back to India, marking another significant success in India’s history of overseas evacuation efforts.
Background: Rising Tensions Prompt Swift Action
As tensions between Iran and Israel intensified, safety concerns surged for Indian nationals residing in Iran. The government promptly assessed the situation and initiated Operation Sindhu to ensure the security of its citizens. The operation was designed as a rapid-response rescue mission specifically targeting the evacuation of Indian students, who form a significant portion of the Indian diaspora in Iran.
According to MEA reports, over 4,000 Indian nationals reside in Iran, with nearly half of them being students. Many of these students are from Jammu and Kashmir and are pursuing medical and professional education in Iranian institutions.
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Strategic Evacuation Route via Armenia
Under Operation Sindhu, the first group of 110 Indian students from northern Iran was instructed to cross into Armenia. The entire process was closely supervised by Indian Missions based in both Iran and Armenia, ensuring safety and coordination at every stage.
Once the students crossed the Iranian border and entered Armenia, they were received and accommodated in Yerevan, the Armenian capital. On June 17, 2025, they departed from Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport on a special flight arranged by the Indian government. They are expected to land in New Delhi in the early hours of June 19, 2025.
MEA Statement on Operation Sindhu
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared key details of Operation Sindhu, stating: “India launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran. India evacuated 110 students from northern Iran who crossed into Armenia under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia on 17th June. They departed from Yerevan on a special flight and will arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of 19th June 2025.”
The government’s quick coordination between multiple diplomatic channels and nations is being seen as a significant achievement under Operation Sindhu.
Ongoing Safety of Indian Nationals in Iran
While the first batch has been successfully evacuated under Operation Sindhu, India continues to monitor the situation closely in Iran. The remaining Indian nationals, including more students, are being kept in touch with through Indian embassies.
The government has assured that further phases of Operation Sindhu will be launched if required. Special attention is being given to high-risk areas, and contingency plans are being made to evacuate more Indian citizens, should the conflict between Iran and Israel escalate further.
Echoes of Past Rescue Operations
Operation Sindhu is not India’s first major evacuation mission. The country has a well-documented history of evacuating its citizens from global conflict zones:
- In 2022, Operation Ganga was launched to bring Indian students home from Ukraine following the Russia-Ukraine war.
- In 2023, Operation Ajay was executed to evacuate Indians stuck in Israel amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Now, with Operation Sindhu, India once again demonstrates its commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad.
Importance of Operation Sindhu for Students
Many of the students evacuated under Operation Sindhu had expressed concerns over their safety as the conflict in the region worsened. These students, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir, had enrolled in Iranian universities for professional and medical courses.
Several students had earlier made distress calls for evacuation, highlighting the fear and uncertainty they faced amid rising military activity and airstrikes. The quick execution of Operation Sindhu provided them with not just relief but also a renewed faith in their country’s support.
Coordination Between Diplomatic Missions
One of the highlights of Operation Sindhu is the excellent coordination between the Indian missions in Iran and Armenia. The Missions ensured safe passage of students across borders, timely accommodation, and swift air transportation. The diplomatic efforts extended beyond regular protocol to ensure this seamless execution.
Indian consular teams in both countries were stationed at critical transit points to provide on-ground support and assistance. This level of preparedness significantly contributed to the success of Operation Sindhu.
India’s Commitment to Citizen Welfare
The success of Operation Sindhu once again underlines India’s proactive approach in international emergencies. The MEA, along with other governmental bodies, has shown that the well-being of Indian nationals is always a top priority, irrespective of where they are.
The government’s immediate response through Operation Sindhu demonstrates robust crisis management, diplomatic negotiation, and timely execution.
The Road Ahead: Preparedness for Future Evacuations
With growing geopolitical tensions in several regions, including the Middle East, Indian authorities continue to enhance their global emergency response frameworks. Operation Sindhu has provided valuable lessons in real-time evacuation logistics, international coordination, and rapid implementation.
Authorities are now working to assess if additional evacuations are necessary. If so, further missions under Operation Sindhu or additional code-named operations may follow.
Student Experiences Shared Post-Evacuation
Several students shared their relief and gratitude after being safely evacuated under Operation Sindhu. They expressed appreciation for the Indian government and diplomatic staff, many of whom remained in continuous touch during the critical hours of transit.
Some students narrated their experiences of traveling across checkpoints and staying in foreign shelters under the supervision of Indian officials. Many highlighted how the swift action under Operation Sindhu helped them return to safety within days of the escalation.
Continued Monitoring of the Iran-Israel Conflict
While Operation Sindhu has so far been a success, Indian authorities remain vigilant. Monitoring of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict continues in real time. Contingency protocols are being reviewed to ensure readiness for any further evacuations if needed.
India’s diplomatic channels remain open and active in both Iran and neighboring nations. The proactive measures under Operation Sindhu may serve as a template for future international crisis response.
Final Words
Operation Sindhu is another shining example of India’s readiness and ability to protect its citizens under challenging circumstances. The mission highlights the strength of Indian diplomacy, the coordination of international efforts, and the government’s unwavering focus on humanitarian responsibility.
From Ukraine to Israel and now Iran, each operation—including Operation Sindhu—adds to India’s growing capability to conduct swift, large-scale rescue efforts with professionalism and empathy.
