Operation Sindhu: India’s swift diplomatic and logistical efforts bore fruit as the first flight under Operation Sindhu safely landed in New Delhi, carrying 110 Indian nationals evacuated from Iran.
The mission, launched in response to the escalating military conflict in the Middle East, prioritises the safety of Indian citizens, many of whom are students.
The evacuees, including 90 medical students from Jammu and Kashmir studying at Urmia Medical University, reached Indira Gandhi International Airport in the early hours of Thursday aboard an IndiGo flight 6E 9487.
They were greeted by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, who assured continued government efforts to bring all remaining citizens back home.
“We have more planes ready and will continue evacuations as the situation evolves,” said Singh, adding that missions are working round the clock to process evacuation requests from regions facing increased hostilities.
Gratitude from evacuees
The students, visibly relieved, expressed heartfelt thanks to the PM Modi government and the Indian embassies in both Iran and Armenia.
“The situation was terrifying—drones, injured people, and no internet,” one student recounted. “But India stood by us. We are safe, and we salute this incredible rescue effort.”
Another student, speaking to IANS, shared, “The Indian embassies prioritised us. They ensured our safe passage through Armenia and back home. We’re truly grateful.”
Evacuation via Armenia
The operation involved a coordinated effort between the Indian embassies in Tehran and Yerevan.
Students were moved overland from Iran to Armenia, from where they boarded a special flight from Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan on 18 June, departing at 14:55 IST.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the successful launch of Operation Sindhu, stating that the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad remain a top priority.
Operation Sindhu begins 🇮🇳.
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… pic.twitter.com/8WJom7wh5f
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 18, 2025
In its official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) extended gratitude to the governments of Iran and Armenia for facilitating the smooth and safe evacuation process.
It also urged Indian nationals still in Iran to stay in contact with the embassy and the 24/7 Control Room set up in New Delhi for ongoing support.
As regional tensions persist, the government plans to continue Operation Sindhu further with more evacuation flights.
It has also reaffirmed its commitment to bring every Indian home safely, reinforcing India’s role as a responsible global power focused on citizen welfare.
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