India has launched a new initiative, designated as ‘Operation Sindhu,’ to facilitate the evacuation of its nationals, particularly students, who are stranded in Iran amid escalating tensions resulting from the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the operation has successfully enabled the safe passage of around 110 Indian students from northern Iran, who crossed the border into Armenia.
Under the diligent oversight of Indian diplomatic missions situated in Tehran and Yerevan, these students managed to reach Armenia without incident. Upon arrival, they boarded a specially arranged flight from Zvartnots International Airport, with their expected landing time in New Delhi slated for the early hours of June 19, 2025.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal provided further context to the operation, 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.”
The urgency of this evacuation is underscored by ongoing reports of missile and drone attacks within Iran, as tensions with Israel continue to escalate. Many Indian students had previously voiced their concerns on social media, highlighting their precarious situation and urgently seeking assistance from the Indian government.
Currently, Iran is home to more than 4,000 Indian nationals, among whom approximately 2,000 are students engaging in medical and professional studies, with a notable number hailing from Jammu and Kashmir.
Operation Sindhu is part of a series of strategic efforts by the Indian government aimed at safeguarding its citizens during international emergencies. In recent years, the Indian government has executed similar missions, such as Operation Ajay, which was established to evacuate Indians amidst the Israel–Hamas conflict in 2023, and Operation Ganga, which was launched during the Russia–Ukraine war in 2022 to ensure the safe return of Indian students from Ukraine.
This prompt and decisive response once again reflects India’s unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of its diaspora, particularly in regions experiencing conflict and instability.
