Operation Sindhu: 165 Indian Nationals Evacuated from Israel Arrive in Delhi
NEW DELHI, India—June 24, 2025: As part of Operation Sindhu, a strategic evacuation initiative of the Indian government, 165 Indian nationals evacuated from Israel, given the growing tensions in the region, reached New Delhi in safety today. The evacuees landed at the Delhi airport in an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft after traveling by road from Israel to Amman in Jordan. This event marks a stepping stone in India’s bid to repatriate its citizens from the conflict-hit area.
Evacuation Mission Underway
Operation Sindhu, on the Israeli side, began on 23 June, 2025, after the first group of evacuees had crossed from Israel to Jordan by land. In the presence of Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, Jaiswal expressed that the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad remain a top priority for them.
Context of Regional Tensions
Operation Sindhu was commenced last week by the Government of India to focus on the escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. The war proceedings accelerated after the alleged Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and subsequent missile and drone retaliation by Iran. The airstrikes by the US on precision targets inside Iranian nuclear facilities have further dangled the dilemma of escalating tension. Towards the evacuation of its nationals from both Iran and Israel, so far, India has evacuated more than 2200 Indians from Iran.
Multi-Modal Evacuation Strategy
The evacuation from Israel involved a multi-modal approach, i.e., land routes for nearby countries, then air travel. Land borders have been chosen to be used to Amman in Jordan, which shows the complex patterns in operation for flights from conflict zones directly. This assures the safety of Indian citizens out of harm’s way.
Ongoing Government Commitment
The Indian government’s promptness in initiating Operation Sindhu speaks volumes for its sensitivity to the welfare of its diaspora. Several facilities were set up in Delhi, including state Bhawans, to assist the returnees toward their onward journeys. For the constant support and information of Indian citizens in the region, the MEA and Indian embassies in both Israel and Iran activated 24-hour control rooms and helplines.
