India Steps Up Evacuations from Conflict Zones

New Delhi, June 24, 2025: 

As the security situation in the region worsens, India has stepped up its evacuation efforts under "Operation Sindhu," bringing home almost 3,000 Indian nationals from Iran and Israel. On June 22, 311 Indian citizens, the most recent group of evacuees, arrived in New Delhi from Mashhad, Iran, bringing the total number of Indians repatriated from Iran to 1,428. 

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the arrival and said the operation is being carried out with the highest coordination and urgency. "Operation Sindhu is still going strong. At 16:30 on June 22, 311 Indian citizens boarded a special flight from Mashhad and arrived in New Delhi.

According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, 1,428 Indian nationals have now been evacuated from Iran. These evacuations take place as tensions in West Asia are on the rise, especially in the wake of an American strike on Iranian nuclear facilities and the ensuing missile exchanges between Israel and Iran. In a quick response, India began Operation Sindhu on June 18 to guarantee the safe return of its citizens who had been caught in the crossfire. 

Earlier in the week, 110 students were evacuated from Urmia, Iran, and 290 Indians and one Sri Lankan national were returned home on June 21 by earlier flights. A large number of the evacuees were professionals and students who had been unable to evacuate because of the abrupt increase in violence.

The Indian Air Force has also started airlifting Israeli citizens who are stranded. Following the safe passage through land crossings made possible by Indian embassies, the second group of 443 Indian nationals departed Israel on June 23 via specially arranged routes via Jordan and Egypt. Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft are being used for these operations. 

Because commercial flights were still disrupted due to security concerns, the Indian government had previously advised its citizens in Israel to travel by land to neighboring countries. As the situation develops, more flights are anticipated in the days ahead.

Evacuees have expressed their gratitude to the government. Mashhad student Suja Ali said, "Our embassy made sure we were safe and helped us return home." We have returned safely because of Prime Minister Modi's diplomatic efforts. 

India's prompt and well coordinated response has garnered praise both domestically and internationally, with over 2,800 Indians already rescued and additional operations in progress.