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Operation Sindhu: India’s Swift Rescue Mission for Citizens Stranded in War-Torn Iran
In a bold and coordinated effort, the Indian government launched Operation Sindhu, successfully evacuating 110 Indian students from northern Iran via Armenia, amidst the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. The rescue mission, which began on June 17, 2025, has been hailed as a significant achievement, with the first evacuation flight landing safely in New Delhi. The Indian authorities have assured the safe evacuation of all Indian nationals from the war-torn region, prioritizing their safety and security above all else.
The Indian government’s swift response to the crisis in Iran has been widely appreciated, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) playing a crucial role in coordinating the evacuation efforts. According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, “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 special flight and will arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of 19th June 2025.” The successful evacuation of Indian citizens from Iran is a testament to the government’s commitment to protecting its nationals abroad.
Background and Context
The conflict between Iran and Israel has been escalating, with reports of increased violence and instability in the region. The Indian government, aware of the potential risks to its citizens, swiftly launched Operation Sindhu to ensure their safe evacuation. The MEA has been working closely with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and the Armenian government to facilitate the evacuation process. The Indian authorities have expressed gratitude to the Iranian and Armenian governments for their support and cooperation in the evacuation efforts.
Evacuation Process and Challenges
The evacuation process involved careful planning and coordination between the Indian Embassy in Tehran, the MEA, and the Armenian government. The Indian students were initially moved out of Tehran to safer locations within Iran, from where they were escorted to the Armenian border. The special flight carrying the evacuated students took off from Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport at 14:55 IST on June 18, 2025, and landed safely in New Delhi in the early hours of June 19, 2025. The MEA has stated that the Indian Embassy in Iran has been supporting numerous Indian nationals to relocate from conflict-affected regions to safer locations within Iran, while arranging their subsequent evacuation through available options.
Some of the key highlights of the evacuation process include:
* 110 Indian students evacuated from northern Iran via Armenia
* Special flight departed from Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport at 14:55 IST on June 18, 2025
* Evacuated students arrived safely in New Delhi in the early hours of June 19, 2025
* Indian Embassy in Tehran and MEA played a crucial role in coordinating the evacuation efforts
* Armenian government provided support and cooperation in the evacuation process
Emergency Contacts and Support
The MEA has released a list of emergency contacts for Indian citizens stranded in Iran, including:
* Embassy of India in Tehran: +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109 (call only)
* WhatsApp: +98 901044557, +98 9015993320, +91 8086871709
* Regional Contacts: Bandar Abbas: +98 9177699036, Zahedan: +98 9396356649
* Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in
* 24×7 Control Room, MEA, New Delhi: Toll-free: 800118797, Landlines: +91-11-23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905
* WhatsApp: +91-9968291988
* Email: situationroom@mea.gov.in
The Indian government has advised all Indian citizens remaining in Iran to maintain contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and the MEA’s round-the-clock Control Room in New Delhi.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The successful evacuation of 110 Indian students from war-torn Iran is a significant achievement for the Indian government. The Operation Sindhu rescue mission demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, even in the face of adversity. As the situation in Iran continues to unfold, the Indian government remains vigilant and prepared to evacuate all Indian nationals from the region. Additional phases of Operation Sindhu are anticipated to proceed as developments occur, ensuring the safe return of all Indian citizens from Iran.
Keywords: Operation Sindhu, India, Iran, Israel, evacuation, rescue mission, Indian citizens, Ministry of External Affairs, MEA, Armenian government, Indian Embassy in Tehran, emergency contacts, support.
Hashtags: #OperationSindhu #India #Iran #Israel #Evacuation #RescueMission #IndianCitizens #MEA #ArmenianGovernment #IndianEmbassyInTehran #EmergencyContacts #Support
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