Operation Sindhu: Indians Evacuated from Conflict-Hit Iran Arrive in New Delhi
NEW DELHI, India – June 21, 2025 – Hundreds of Indian nationals evacuated from Iran began landing in New Delhi from June 21, 2025, as part of “Operation Sindhu,” India’s inclusive mission of evacuation in the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel keeping the safety of Indian nationals in view. The temporary easing of airspace restrictions for these humanitarian flights, thus permitting the safe passage of Indian citizens, mainly students and religious pilgrims caught in the fast-deteriorating security situation, were secured by a special diplomatic effort from India.
Event Chronicle & Key Details
The current hostilities that started by Israel against Iranian nuclear and military installations based on its rituals of “Operation Rising Lion” began with Israel launching the offensive on June 13, 2025. Almost immediately, Iran retaliated with ballistic missile attacks on Israeli territory. Through this exchange of fire, both parties suffered considerable casualties and damages, thereby making the port of exit for foreign nationals urgent.
The escalating crisis, thereby, triggered the Government of India to proclaim the initiation of “Operation Sindhu” on June 18, 2025, for the evacuation of its citizens from both Iran and potentially Israel. The initial phase witnessed the evacuation of 110 Indian students from northern Iran who were safely transported overland to Armenia on June 17, 2025, and subsequently flown to New Delhi on June 19, 2025.
Today, the arrival of flights was very significant, with a special flight carrying 290 Indian nationals, mostly students, landing around 11:30 p.m. Indian Standard Time (IST) on Friday night, June 20, 2025, in Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). More flights were expected throughout the day. These Indian evacuation flights were specially allowed at this time in the opened Iranian airspace that is mostly closed because of the conflict. Many evacuees departed from Tehran to Mashhad after the Israeli attacks prior to their departure.
Key Figures and Official Response
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has been spearheading “Operation Sindhu.” Secretary (CPV & OIA) Arun Kumar Chatterjee received the arriving evacuees at Delhi airport, expressing the government’s gratitude to Iran for its cooperation. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the MEA, also posted updates on social media, highlighting the successful evacuation efforts.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has played a crucial role on the ground, assisting Indian nationals in moving from high-conflict zones to safer areas within Iran and coordinating their departure. Officials from the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi have also affirmed their cooperation, stating that Iran considers Indians as “its own people” and is making arrangements for their safe passage. Mohammad Javad Hosseini, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy, confirmed that additional flights could be arranged if needed.
Visibly relieved upon landing, these evacuees expressed their deep gratitude to the Indian government. Many began yelling praises such as “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Hindustan Zindabad,” while some recounted horrific accounts of war in Iran. Tazkiya Fatima, from Noida, described the atmosphere as tense but praised the evacuation for going smoothly. Eliya Batool described the emotional relief of coming home and mentioned that they had comfortable arrangements in Iran before the flight was boarded. Maulana Mohammad Saeed Saeed and Mir Mohammad Musharraf from Jammu and Kashmir also thanked the Indian government and the embassy for being so fast and safe in getting them back.
Impact and Implications
The successful evacuation of Indian nationals from Iran reflects the immediate humanitarian effects of the ongoing conflict. The government’s quick response in launching “Operation Sindhu” shows India’s commitment to protecting its diaspora in areas of conflict. The move by Iranian authorities to assist by relaxing airspace restrictions illuminates the significance of diplomatic means even amid severe geopolitical tensions.
Additionally, their return gives these citizens a platform to relay firsthand perspectives on the ground realities in Iran that are vital for public comprehension of the toll on humanity by the plight. While quite a large number of Indians have been evacuated, the MEA has indicated that consultations were incurring for facilitating onward return of Indian nationals from Israel, indicating that there might be an impending operation for evacuations depending upon how the situation unfolds in a rather unpredictable manner.
Reactions, Investigations, & Outlook
The speediness and efficiency of the operation purportedly drew a general acclamation amongst both the evacuees and the families of the evacuees. Operation Sindhu will stand as a commendation to effective diplomatic coordination in times of crisis.
However, the volatility of the Middle East situation is sustaining high. While India is striving towards the safe return of its nationals, international efforts at de-escalation are really working, but not making for immediate breakthroughs. The United Nations and other international organizations have called for immediate cessation of hostilities and resumption of diplomatic discourse, fearing that the confrontation could spill into a region-wide conflagration. There is no action taken regarding any investigations on the evacuation process since it had been a humanitarian mission.
As the Iran-Israel conflict shows no indication of abating anytime soon, the outlook remains shady. Nevertheless, India shall closely monitor the situation, ensuring the safety of any remaining nationals and ready for further actions whenever necessary.
