New Delhi– Under Operation Sindhu, a total of 4,415 Indian nationals—3,597 from Iran and 818 from Israel—have been evacuated so far via 19 special flights, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday. The evacuees included over 1,500 women and 500 children. Among those brought back were also 14 OCI cardholders, nine Nepali nationals, four Sri Lankans, and one Iranian spouse of an Indian citizen. The flights included three Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft.
The Indian government launched Operation Sindhu on June 18 to evacuate its citizens from conflict-affected areas in Iran and Israel amid rising tensions in West Asia. The initial phase saw Indian missions in Tehran, Yerevan, and Ashgabat facilitating the movement of nationals through land borders into Armenia and Turkmenistan. Evacuation flights began on June 18, with most routed through Mashhad following Iran’s decision to open its airspace on June 20 at India’s request.
According to the MEA, the 3,597 Indians brought back from Iran included students, workers, professionals, pilgrims, and fishermen from more than 15 Indian states. Flights from Yerevan, Ashgabat, and Mashhad enabled their return home between June 18 and 26.
The Israel leg of the operation began on June 23, coordinated by Indian missions in Tel Aviv, Ramallah, Amman, and Cairo. A total of 818 nationals—including students, workers, and professionals—were evacuated from Amman and Sharm El Sheikh between June 22 and 25. Three of the four flights used were operated by the Indian Air Force.
“The Government of India is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Operation Sindhu is yet another demonstration of this commitment,” the MEA said in a statement. It also expressed gratitude to the governments of Iran, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Armenia, and Turkmenistan for their cooperation.
With the reopening of regional airspace, evacuation operations were paused on June 25. The MEA said further action will depend on how the situation in West Asia evolves, and Indian missions will remain engaged with local authorities and the Indian community in the region. (Source: IANS)
