Operation Sindhu is a government-led evacuation mission launched by India in June 2025 to ensure the safe return of Indian nationals, particularly students, from conflict-affected regions of Iran as hostilities escalated between Iran and Israel.
Operation Sindhu: India’s Evacuation Mission Amid Iran-Israel Conflict
Background and Launch
As tensions rose sharply in the Middle East due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, the safety of Indian citizens in Iran became a pressing concern. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in coordination with Indian embassies in Iran and Armenia, initiated Operation Sindhu to facilitate the evacuation of Indians, prioritizing students stranded in volatile areas.
Objectives
- Ensure the safe evacuation of Indian citizens, especially students, from war-affected regions of Iran.
- Coordinate safe passage for evacuees via Armenia, given the unstable conditions inside Iran.
- Maintain continuous monitoring and assistance through a 24/7 MEA Control Room in New Delhi.
Execution and Route
The first phase of Operation Sindhu saw 110 Indian students evacuated from northern Iran. These students were transported by road to Yerevan, Armenia, with close supervision from Indian diplomatic missions in both Tehran and Yerevan. From Armenia’s Zvartnots International Airport, they boarded a special flight to New Delhi, arriving safely in the early hours of June 19, 2025.
The operation was marked by:
- Active coordination with the governments of Iran and Armenia.
- Continuous updates and support from Indian embassies.
- A priority focus on students and vulnerable groups.
Significance and Precedents
Operation Sindhu joins a list of major Indian evacuation missions, including:
- Vande Bharat Mission (COVID-19 pandemic, 2020)
- Operation Devi Shakti (Afghanistan, 2021)
- Operation Ganga (Ukraine, 2022)
- Operation Kaveri (Sudan, 2023)
- Operation Ajay (Israel, 2023)1
These missions underscore India’s commitment to the safety and security of its citizens abroad, especially during international crises.
Official Statements
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized, “India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of her nationals abroad,” and expressed gratitude to the governments of Iran and Armenia for their cooperation in ensuring a smooth evacuation process.
Conclusion
Operation Sindhu stands as a testament to India’s proactive diplomatic and logistical efforts to protect its citizens during international emergencies. The swift, coordinated evacuation through Armenia highlights India’s ability to respond effectively to rapidly evolving global crises.
