Operation Sindhu, In a remarkable display of efficiency, empathy, and coordination, the Government of India has successfully evacuated 4,415 Indian nationals from Iran and Israel under Operation Sindhu, a special repatriation mission launched in response to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. On Thursday night, a special evacuation flight from Yerevan, Armenia, carrying 173 Indian citizens from Iran, landed safely in New Delhi at 10:30 PM (IST) marking yet another successful chapter of the operation.
What is Operation Sindhu?
Operation Sindhu was launched on 18th June 2025 by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) with the aim to evacuate Indian nationals stranded in conflict-hit regions of Iran and Israel. With tensions escalating between the two nations, and thousands of Indians residing in these regions, the Indian government moved swiftly to prioritize the safety of its citizens abroad.
Total Evacuated So Far
According to the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, a total of 4,415 people have been evacuated as of now. This includes:
- 3,597 Indian nationals from Iran
- 818 Indian nationals from Israel
- 14 OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card holders
- 9 Nepali nationals
- 4 Sri Lankan nationals
- 1 Iranian spouse of an Indian national
This massive operation involved 19 special evacuation flights, out of which 3 were operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF), showing the strategic coordination between civil and defense aviation.
The Latest Flight A Ray of Relief
The most recent flight arrived in India from Yerevan, Armenia, carrying 173 Indian nationals who had been staying in Iran. These evacuees expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian government for prioritizing their safety and making swift arrangements for their return.
The government helped us in every aspect; they did whatever they could, said an Indian student evacuated from Iran.
Another evacuee remarked:
I thank our Prime Minister and the Ministry of External Affairs. The facilities provided to us were beyond our expectations.
These voices of relief and gratitude echo the efforts made on ground and in the skies to bring citizens home from a volatile situation.
A Coordinated Diplomatic Win
This operation wasn’t just about moving people it also involved international diplomacy and coordination with multiple countries. The Indian government thanked the government of Iran for opening its airspace to allow the safe passage of evacuation flights.
We made a request, and they agreed to open their airspace. We are grateful to the government of Iran for this special gesture, said MEA spokesperson Jaiswal.
He also expressed appreciation to Armenia and Turkmenistan for their support in facilitating the evacuation process, particularly in providing safe transit routes and airport access for Indian aircraft and civilians.
Why This Matters Safety First, Always
India is known for launching timely evacuation missions during global crises. From Operation Ganga in Ukraine to Operation Kaveri in Sudan, and now Operation Sindhu, the pattern is clear the Indian government continues to prioritize citizen safety abroad, regardless of political complications or geographic boundaries.
With an estimated 10,000 Indians residing in Iran and over 40,000 in Israel, Operation Sindhu shows the Indian government’s proactive planning and preparedness in times of global unrest.
India’s Legacy of Evacuations
Here’s a brief look at some of India’s recent evacuation operations:
- Operation Ganga (2022): Evacuation of Indians from Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Operation Kaveri (2023): Rescue of Indian nationals from Sudan amid civil unrest.
- Operation Devi Shakti (2021): Evacuation from Afghanistan during the Taliban takeover.
- Vande Bharat Mission (2020): Massive repatriation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With Operation Sindhu, this legacy is further reinforced showcasing not just humanitarian intent, but robust logistics, strong diplomacy, and national pride.
MEA’s Role Leading from the Front
The Ministry of External Affairs, led by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, has become a cornerstone in India’s global reputation for protecting its diaspora. Weekly briefings, real-time updates, and direct communication with Indian embassies and missions abroad have ensured transparency and efficiency throughout the operation.
What’s Next?
As of now, Operation Sindhu continues to remain active. With thousands of Indians still in Iran and Israel, the government is monitoring the situation closely. Flights are being planned based on safety assessments, local conditions, and demand from Indian citizens on ground.
While the current tally stands at 4,415 evacuees, officials have hinted that more flights may be organized in the coming days depending on how the regional crisis unfolds.
A Proud Moment for the Nation
Operation Sindhu has not only brought thousands of Indians back to their homeland safely it has once again highlighted the strength, readiness, and heart of the Indian government in times of global crisis.
For families who were living in fear and uncertainty, this operation has restored peace, security, and hope. For India, it’s a reminder that no matter where its citizens are in the world they will never be left behind.
For the full scoop and in-depth analysis, read the complete report on The Economics Times
