Operation Sindhu Expands: India to Evacuate Nepalese and Sri Lankan Citizens from Iran Amidst Intensifying Conflict
New Delhi, India: June 21, 2025: India, upon requests from Nepal and Sri Lanka, has massively enlarged the humanitarian evacuation operation “Operation Sindhu” to also include for evacuations Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens stranded in Iran. The expansion comes in the wake of an ever-worsening security environment in the region as the conflict between Iran and Israel processes. The Indian Embassy in Tehran released emergency helpline numbers and also activated a Telegram channel for smooth coordination of the expansion of the rescue effort.
Humanitarian Outreach to Neighboring Nations
The unprecedented move to extend “Operation Sindhu” beyond Indian nationals shows India’s commitment toward its “Neighbourhood First” policy and that it fulfills its role as a first responder in humanitarian crises. The Indian government is securing the safe passage for the citizens of its South Asian neighbors, symbolizing deep-rooted diplomatic ties forged through a history of mutual assistance. Such comprehensive humanitarianism is being praised on behalf of India for its swift and compassionate arrival.
Deteriorating Situation in Iran
The situation for evacuation becomes critical with increasing hostilities between Iran and Israel. In recent days, Israel has carried out “Operation Rising Lion” against neighborhoods it considers Iranian nuclear and military installations. This has resulted in Iranian responses of missile and drone strikes. This exchange greatly enhances the risks for civilians and international residents in Iran, thereby necessitating evacuation on an urgent basis.
Evacuation Progress and Logistics
“Operation Sindhu” started on June 18, 2025, with an aim primarily to evacuate Indian nationals. So far, 517 Indian citizens have been brought back to India safely and are in Delhi after other special flights came from Ashgabat in Turkmenistan today. The operation has operated through many other geographic routes and included some land crossings into neighboring countries like Armenia, where the evacuees then board flights to India.
Support for Stranded Citizens
The Indian Embassy in Tehran is the primary point of contact for all evacuees for “Operation Sindhu.” Emergency contact numbers provided by the Embassy are: +98 9010144557, +98 9128109115, and +98 9128109109. A Telegram channel has been created to give real-time updates and facilitate communication between stranded nationals of Nepal and Sri Lanka, who, by way of the majority, are students in Iran pursuing a medical or technical education.
Wider Context of India’s Evacuation Missions
This has been the largest operation of India to evacuate its citizens and those of friendly nations in hours of crisis. In the past, such missions include “Operation Ganga” (Ukraine, 2022); “Operation Kaveri” (Sudan, 2023); and “Operation Ajay” (Israel, 2023), all demonstrating the founding tenet of India’s foreign policy: its commitment to ensure the safety of its diaspora and humanitarianism throughout the globe. Including the evacuation of Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens in “Operation Sindhu” strengthens this credit.
Reported by: Herohind News Desk
