Indian Government Successfully Evacuates Over 4,400 Indians Under Operation Sindhu

New Delhi– The Government of India launched Operation Sindhu on 18th June as a major rescue initiative to evacuate Indian nationals stranded in West Asia amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran. As of 28th June, a total of 4,415 Indian citizens have been safely brought back home from conflict-affected areas in Iran and Israel.

The large-scale evacuation was carried out through 19 special flights, including three Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 aircraft. In a gesture of regional solidarity, the Government of India also extended humanitarian assistance to citizens from neighboring countries. Among those evacuated from Iran were 14 OCI cardholders, 9 Nepali nationals, 4 Sri Lankan nationals, and 1 Iranian spouse of an Indian national.

According to an official statement by the MEA, Indian embassies in Tehran, Yerevan, and Ashgabat coordinated closely to facilitate the safe passage of evacuees, including via land border crossings. The majority of evacuations from Iran were routed through Mashhad. 

From 18th to 26th June, a total of 3,597 Indian nationals which included students, workers, professionals, pilgrims, and fishermen from over 15 Indian states, were repatriated from Yerevan, Ashgabat, and Mashhad through 15 special evacuation flights.

The operation in Israel commenced on 23rd June. Indian missions in Tel Aviv, Ramallah, Amman, and Cairo coordinated with host governments to enable the movement of Indian nationals across land borders into Jordan and Egypt. The MEA reported that between 22nd and 25th June, a total of 818 Indian nationals were evacuated, comprising students, workers, and professionals, via four evacuation flights, including three IAF C-17 aircraft, from Amman and Sharm El Sheikh.

The Government of India reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of Indian citizens abroad. It also expressed deep gratitude to the governments of Iran, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Armenia, and Turkmenistan for their cooperation and support during the operation. 

The MEA further stated that Indian diplomatic missions will continue to remain actively engaged with local authorities and Indian communities across Iran, Israel, and the broader West Asia region to monitor and respond to any emerging developments.