India’s ‘Operation Sindhu’ Brings Home 517 Nationals from Iran Amidst Conflict

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that 517 Indian citizens have been repatriated from Iran under ‘Operation Sindhu.’ A special evacuation flight arrived in New Delhi from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on June 21, further aiding the rescue mission. This operation was launched in response to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. Evacuees shared accounts of the challenging situation, with some initially sheltering indoors before relocating to Mashhad, which was also targeted. The swift action by the Indian government, coordinated by the Indian Embassy in Tehran, has been praised. Individuals expressed their gratitude for the support from Prime Minister Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath. Returning citizens described the unsettling environment in Iran, highlighting the invaluable assistance provided by the government in their safe return. The operation also involved the safe evacuation of Indian students, including those from Urmia Medical University, who were transported through Armenia. The conflict, triggered by an Israeli airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, prompted retaliatory actions by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, leading to the need for these evacuations.