Operation Sindhu: 110 Indian Students Evacuated from Northern Iran, Reach Delhi Amid Escalating Iran-Israel Conflict
In a crucial step to ensure the safety of Indian nationals amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, the Government of India has launched Operation Sindhu, a dedicated evacuation mission. As part of the operation’s initial phase, 110 Indian students stranded in northern Iran have been successfully evacuated and are set to arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of Thursday.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in an official statement issued on Wednesday, confirmed that the evacuation was conducted with close coordination between the Indian embassies in Tehran and Yerevan.
“The Indian Embassy has evacuated 110 Indian students from northern Iran, assisting them in safely crossing over into Armenia on 17th June 2025. The students travelled by road to the Armenian capital, Yerevan, under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia. These students departed Yerevan on a special flight at 1455 hrs on 18th June 2025 and will arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of 19th June 2025 as part of the initial stages of Operation Sindhu,” the MEA stated.
Rising Tensions, Rising Response
Operation Sindhu begins 🇮🇳.
India launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran. India evacuated 110 students from northern Iran who crossed into Armenia under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia on 17th June. They departed from Yerevan on a… pic.twitter.com/8WJom7wh5f
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 18, 2025
This evacuation comes in the backdrop of rapidly deteriorating security conditions in Iran, particularly in its northern region, following intensified hostilities in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. The conflict has raised significant alarm for thousands of foreign nationals, including Indians, residing in the country, many of them students and professionals.
Recognizing the potential danger, the Indian government initiated a multi-pronged approach to not only monitor the ground situation but also prepare and execute emergency plans for evacuation. Operation Sindhu is the latest in a series of such humanitarian efforts previously witnessed during crises in Ukraine (Operation Ganga), Afghanistan, and Sudan (Operation Kaveri).
Diplomatic Coordination and Gratitude
#WATCH | Students of the Urmia University of Medical Sciences say, “We are being evacuated back to India. We are thankful to the MEA and the Government of India for evacuating us as soon as possible.”
(Source: Jammu and Kashmir Students Association) pic.twitter.com/abcgAfwYn0
— ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2025
The Ministry of External Affairs has extended its gratitude to both Iran and Armenia for facilitating a smooth evacuation. Armenia played a particularly key role by allowing the Indian students safe passage and temporary accommodation before their airlift to India.
“India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad,” the MEA reiterated in its statement, emphasizing the government’s commitment to respond swiftly and effectively to international crises involving its citizens.
Embassies in Action
While this batch of 110 students marks the first major evacuation under Operation Sindhu, the Indian embassy in Tehran remains actively engaged on the ground. According to MEA sources, embassy officials have been working round-the-clock to assist a large number of Indian nationals in moving away from conflict zones to relatively safer locations within Iran.
The embassy has also been guiding individuals on feasible exit routes and transport options while keeping them connected through emergency helplines and support teams.
Helpline and Advisory
The MEA has advised all Indian nationals currently in Iran to remain in regular contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and to register themselves for assistance if not already done. A 24×7 Control Room has been activated at the MEA headquarters in New Delhi to respond to inquiries and coordinate with families and state authorities.
“Given the evolving situation, Indian citizens are urged to follow updates issued by the Indian Embassy and to adhere to safety instructions provided by local authorities,” the statement read.
|Also Read : India launches Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran (June 18, 2025) |
Background: A Pattern of Preparedness
India’s robust evacuation track record in recent years reflects a systematic approach to crisis management. Whether during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, or Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan, Indian missions abroad have played a pivotal role in facilitating safe returns.
With Operation Sindhu now underway, more evacuation flights are expected in the coming days, especially if the Iran-Israel situation continues to worsen. Government sources indicated that contingency plans are being refined and adapted based on real-time intelligence and diplomatic feedback.
For the 110 students returning today, the operation marks a return to safety after days of uncertainty and fear. For the Indian government, it is yet another reaffirmation of its stated resolve: no Indian will be left behind in times of crisis.
|Also Read : Iran-Israel conflict intensifies with civilian casualties mounting on both sides|
