A new batch of Indian nationals evacuated from Iran under Operation Sindhu arrived safely in Delhi on Saturday, marking a key milestone in the Government of India’s ongoing efforts to repatriate its residents from conflict-affected areas.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran was instrumental in managing the safe transfer of students, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) secured their safe return to India.
Among the refugees was Zaffar Abbas Naqvi, who described his horrific experience of initially staying home after learning about the Iranian strikes. He described how he and his family went to Mashhad, only to be attacked there as well, causing them to seek assistance from the Indian government.
Naqvi expressed heartfelt gratitude for the prompt and efficient reaction, and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their assistance and arrangements. “The action was so swift that we cannot express our gratitude in words,” he told us.
Another evacuee, Kulsum, expressed satisfaction at having returned safely, characterizing the situation in Iran as worrying. She praised the Indian government’s essential help in facilitating them safe return.
Similarly, Mohammad Ali Qazim, who was evacuated from Mashhad, expressed profound gratitude to the Indian government for allowing him to safely cross the border and return home. He emphasized the deteriorating situation in Tehran and expressed gratitude to both the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments.
The operation, which continues to provide comfort to families across India, is a collaborative effort by the Central and State governments to protect the safety of Indian people amidst rising tensions in the Israel-Iran conflict.
The emotional returnees, including students and religious pilgrims, were met with cries of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Hindustan Zindabad” at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport late Friday night.
The special flight carrying 290 evacuees landed at 11:30 PM IST and was met by Secretary (CPV & OIA) Arun Kumar Chatterjee.
Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson, acknowledged the successful evacuation in a post on X, saying that the Government of India is grateful to the Government of Iran for aiding the evacuation process. Operation Sindhu demonstrates India’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens overseas, particularly during times of world crises.
