In the midst of the growing conflict between Iran and Israel, the Government of India initiated Operation Sindhu, an ongoing evacuation effort designed to securely return Indian citizens from Iran. 517 Indian citizens have been successfully evacuated and returned home as a result of this operation, according to confirmation from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as of June 21, 2025.
In the most recent evacuation phase, a special jet transporting a new group of Iranian evacuees from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, landed in New Delhi around 3:00 am on June 21. The action was prompted by the worsening security conditions in Iran after fierce fighting that started on June 13 when Israel conducted a massive bombing on Iranian nuclear and military targets, known as “Operation Rising Lion.” In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched “Operation True Promise 3,” using drones and missiles to strike Israeli energy infrastructure.
While the MEA has managed the safe return of Indian people to India, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has been instrumental in ensuring the safe movement of Indians, especially students and religious travelers.
Both direct flights and cross-border transfers have been a part of the evacuation procedure. For example, the first group of 110 Indian students, mostly from Urmia Medical University, were flown to New Delhi after first being transferred from northern Iran to Armenia.
Iranian conditions have been described as dangerous and stressful by evacuees. One of the returnees, Zaffar Abbas Naqvi, explained how, after hearing about the attacks, he and his family first sought refuge in one location before moving to Mashhad, which was also threatened. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their support and commended the Indian government’s prompt and efficient reaction. Kulsum, another evacuee, emphasized the relief and worry felt by people returning, pointing out the government’s crucial support throughout the crisis.
The Indian government is keeping a close eye on the situation and is ready to set up more planes if necessary. By granting infrequent exceptions to airspace closures, the Iranian government has cooperated and made it easier for Indian citizens to evacuate. At the request of their respective governments, efforts are also being made to aid the people of nearby nations like Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Operation Sindhu, which showed efficient coordination between diplomatic missions, the federal and state governments, and international partners during a quickly developing regional crisis, is a tribute to India’s dedication to the safety and well-being of its residents overseas.
