Amid escalating tensions and ongoing military conflict between Israel and Iran, the Indian government has launched ‘Operation Sindhu’ to evacuate its nationals from the conflict-hit region. The first batch of 110 Indian students, primarily from Urmia Medical University in northwest Iran, safely arrived in New Delhi early Wednesday morning.
According to officials, many of the evacuees hail from Jammu & Kashmir, with approximately 90 students from the Kashmir Valley among those repatriated.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the evacuation was carried out in coordination with Iranian and Armenian authorities. The students were transported overland from Urmia to the Armenian capital, Yerevan, before being flown to India aboard a special aircraft on the night of June 18.
“We were picked up from our doorsteps,” one of the returning students told ANI at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. “The situation in Iran is very bad. We could hear explosions, missile and drone strikes almost daily near our university campus.”
Evacuation Amid Rising Hostilities
The evacuation follows a sharp escalation in hostilities after Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian nuclear sites on June 13, prompting fears of wider regional conflict. Over 4,000 Indian nationals, including roughly 2,000 students, are believed to still be in Iran. The Indian embassy has set up 24×7 control rooms and helplines to assist them.
“More evacuation flights are in the pipeline,” said MEA spokesperson. “We are exploring safe exit routes through Armenia, Turkmenistan, and other neighboring countries.”
J&K Govt Responds to Local Concerns
Following their arrival in Delhi, some students from Jammu & Kashmir raised concerns about the condition of buses provided for their journey back home. Responding swiftly, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah intervened and directed officials to provide deluxe coaches for their comfort and safety.
“We appreciate the government’s efforts,” said another evacuee. “The quick response shows they genuinely cared about our well-being.”
However, a section of students has drawn criticism after demanding onward flight arrangements from Delhi to Kashmir, despite the extensive efforts undertaken to evacuate them from an active conflict zone.
Looking Ahead
‘Operation Sindhu’ mirrors the scale and urgency of past missions such as ‘Operation Ganga’ in 2022, which successfully evacuated over 18,000 Indians from Ukraine. With thousands still stranded in Iran, MEA officials emphasize that India remains committed to ensuring the safe return of all its citizens.
Further updates are expected in the coming days as additional flights are scheduled and more Indians are brought back home.
