Operation Sindhu, launched by the Government of India, has been a large-scale evacuation mission aimed at bringing back Indian nationals stranded in Iran and Israel amid the recent military conflict between the two countries.

On June 25, 2025, a special flight carrying 296 Indian nationals and four Nepalese nationals from Mashhad, Iran, landed safely in New Delhi, raising the total number of people evacuated from Iran under Operation Sindhu to 3,154.

This effort was part of a broader mission that also included evacuations from Israel, utilizing Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft and chartered flights, and extending assistance to citizens of friendly neighbouring countries, such as Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The operation was initiated in response to the escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, which saw missile exchanges and significant security threats to foreign nationals in the region. The Indian Embassy in Iran played a central role, setting up contact desks and arranging accommodation for evacuees, particularly in Mashhad, which served as a key transit point.

As the conflict intensified, the embassy advised Indian nationals in other parts of Iran to remain in place and await further instructions, while those already in Mashhad were directed to consolidate at the Sadr Hotel, with arrangements being gradually wound down following the announcement of a ceasefire.

The ceasefire, brokered with the involvement of US President Donald Trump and Qatari mediation, was announced on June 23, 2025, after a series of retaliatory strikes between Iran and Israel. While initial violations were reported by both sides, the truce held as of June 25, enabling the Indian government to scale back its emergency evacuation operations.

The embassy subsequently closed its contact desk for new evacuation registrations but maintained active communication channels for ongoing support and monitoring of the situation.

India’s swift and coordinated response under Operation Sindhu underscores its commitment to the safety of its citizens abroad during international crises. The mission’s success was marked not only by the safe return of over 3,154 Indians from Iran but also by the evacuation of several Nepalese and Sri Lankan nationals, reflecting India’s broader humanitarian approach in the region.

With the ceasefire holding, the embassy is now focusing on ensuring the continued security of Indian nationals who remain in Iran, ready to reassess its strategy should the situation deteriorate again.

Based On ANI Report