Operation Sindhu brings home 275 people from Iran, including 272 Indians and 3 Nepalese, amid Middle East tensions. Emotional returnees express heartfelt gratitude to the Indian govt and embassy for ensuring their safe evacuation. Over 3,400 citizens have been rescued under the operation so far.
In a remarkable demonstration of swift diplomacy and humanitarian response, 275 individuals — comprising 272 Indian nationals and three Nepalese citizens — were successfully evacuated from Iran and landed safely in New Delhi on Thursday. The evacuation, part of the Indian government’s ongoing Operation Sindhu, marks yet another milestone in its mission to bring stranded citizens home amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the arrival and stated that the total number of citizens repatriated from Iran now stands at 3,426. These efforts come in the backdrop of an intensifying conflict in the region, which has raised serious safety concerns for foreign nationals, particularly in countries like Iran.
Emotions were palpable at the Indira Gandhi International Airport as weary but relieved evacuees touched down on Indian soil. Stories of gratitude and relief were shared openly, with many praising the relentless efforts of the Indian Embassy and government officials.
“We were in Mashhad. Five members of my family, including me, are very grateful to the Indian Embassy and the government of India for bringing us home safely. They did not leave us orphaned in a foreign country. No other country has done anything like this for its nationals,” one evacuee told IANS.
Recalling the meticulous care taken during the evacuation process, the individual shared how embassy officials went above and beyond, delaying departure to ensure every Indian was accounted for. “A few people went missing, so the embassy officials even waited for two hours and searched for the missing. There is no one like our Indian government,” he added.
Another evacuee echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the constant communication from the Indian authorities since the beginning of the regional conflict. “Ever since the war started in Tehran, they have been in contact with every Indian, guiding us on how to handle the situation, what the current conditions are, and what their evacuation and repatriation plans would be.”
Such words of appreciation were consistent across the evacuees, with one woman saying, “I stand here with a heart full of gratitude and respect for the entire Indian Embassy and the Government of India for bringing us back home. I am truly thankful and will always remain grateful.”
Another returnee shared, “We are deeply grateful to them for taking such care of their fellow countrymen, for thinking about their people back home. They realised that our people were far away and in distress, and they stood by us.”
Just a day prior, on Wednesday, another rescue flight had landed in India, carrying 296 Indian nationals and four Nepalese citizens, also from Mashhad. These two back-to-back flights reflect the urgency and coordination involved in ensuring the safe return of Indian nationals from a rapidly deteriorating situation.
Operation Sindhu, particularly its Iran leg, has become a symbol of India’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. The operation continues to function as a lifeline for many stranded individuals in the region, with the MEA and other governmental bodies working round-the-clock to monitor developments and facilitate evacuations where needed.
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In times of global unrest, India’s proactive diplomacy and logistical preparedness have once again earned global recognition. The successful repatriation under Operation Sindhu is not just a diplomatic achievement but a deeply human one — resonating with thousands of Indian families who now feel a sense of relief and security.
As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, the Indian government’s vigilance and dedication to its diaspora remain a shining example of responsive governance and international humanitarian concern.
