'Operation Sindhu': India Starts Evacuating Its Nationals Stranded In Iran

India has initiated 'Operation Sindhu' to rescue Indian students trapped in Iran due to escalating tensions with Israel. The Ministry of External Affairs reports that 110 students have been evacuated from northern Iran. These students were instructed to cross into Armenia, from where they are being flown back to New Delhi.

According to Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, "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 2025."

Evacuation Details

The first group of students left Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan and is expected to land in India early on June 19. This operation is part of India's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad during conflicts.

Iran hosts over 4,000 Indian nationals, with half being students. Many hail from Jammu and Kashmir, pursuing medical and other professional courses. The evacuation comes amid rising hostilities between Iran and Israel, prompting urgent action.

Previous Evacuation Operations

This isn't India's first evacuation mission from conflict zones. In 2023, 'Operation Ajay' was launched to bring back Indians stranded in Israel during its conflict with Hamas. Similarly, 'Operation Ganga' was conducted in 2022 for students stuck in Ukraine after the Russia-Ukraine war began.