Tehran/New Delhi : Amid the rapidly intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel, the Government of India has expanded the scope of Operation Sindhu—its coordinated evacuation mission—to include citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka. The decision came following official requests from both neighbouring countries, reflecting India’s role as a regional humanitarian leader. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has activated dedicated helplines and a Telegram channel to facilitate the safe movement and evacuation of stranded individuals.
✈️ Expanded Reach & Evacuation Status
-
As of June 21, over 517 Indian nationals have been successfully evacuated from Iran.
-
The evacuations are being carried out through a combination of land and air routes, including crossings into Turkmenistan and Armenia, with onward flights to New Delhi.
-
Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens have been invited to register via emergency contact numbers provided by the Indian Embassy, ensuring they can join the evacuation convoys.
🏛️ Strong Regional Solidarity
India’s willingness to extend its evacuation umbrella to neighbouring nations underscores its long-standing commitment to South Asian solidarity and humanitarian diplomacy. By aiding Nepal and Sri Lanka during a crisis beyond their immediate logistical control, India has further cemented its image as a trusted regional partner.
🛫 Evacuation Routes & Protocols
-
Evacuees are being gathered and transported from Mashhad and Tehran to border checkpoints before boarding flights arranged by the Indian government.
-
The process is being managed by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy in Tehran, and partner agencies in coordination with Iranian authorities.
-
Similar logistics will apply for Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens, ensuring a unified and safe evacuation process under the Operation Sindhu framework.
🎙️ Voices from Evacuees
Evacuees have shared harrowing accounts of surviving under the shadow of aerial bombardments. Several Indian students described moments of fear as explosions rang through their cities, with some neighborhoods sustaining severe damage. Yet, the evacuation has brought relief and gratitude.
One student shared:
“We saw missiles falling just streets away. It was terrifying. But India came through. We are finally safe.”
🔍 Background & Outlook
-
Operation Sindhu was launched in mid-June in response to escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction.
-
The crisis has created an urgent need to evacuate foreign nationals, with India acting swiftly to protect its citizens and now, its regional neighbours.
-
This is not India’s first multi-national evacuation mission. Historical operations like Operation Sukoon (2006) in Lebanon and Operation Raahat (2015) in Yemen demonstrate India’s established capacity for large-scale, coordinated humanitarian responses.
-
The Indian government has reiterated that Operation Sindhu will continue until all citizens are safely evacuated, and that control rooms and helplines will remain operational round-the-clock.
🏅 Conclusion
Operation Sindhu stands as a defining example of India’s rapid-response diplomacy and its unwavering commitment to humanitarian principles in times of global uncertainty. What began as an emergency rescue mission for Indian nationals trapped in a conflict zone has now evolved into a symbol of regional solidarity and compassionate leadership.
By extending support to Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens, India has not only demonstrated logistical prowess but also embodied the spirit of collective responsibility in South Asia. This strategic outreach strengthens regional ties, reaffirms India’s image as a dependable first responder, and amplifies its soft power on the international stage.
Beyond the numbers and operations, Operation Sindhu is a narrative of unity in adversity—a coordinated effort where government bodies, embassies, and the armed forces worked in unison to uphold the dignity and safety of human life. The mission also reflects India’s long-standing ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family — and showcases its role as a net provider of security in the region.
As the situation unfolds in Iran, India’s commitment remains firm: no citizen—Indian or foreign—will be left behind. Operation Sindhu is not just an evacuation; it is an assertion of India’s humanitarian vision — swift, inclusive, and grounded in global brotherhood.
For official updates, stay connected on PIB website.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network
Image source: TOI
