In a swift and coordinated operation reflecting India’s commitment to the safety of its citizens abroad, a special charter flight carrying 290 Indian nationals evacuated from conflict-hit Iran landed safely in New Delhi late Friday night. The evacuation, conducted under the Government of India’s ongoing ‘Operation Sindhu’, marked a significant step in repatriating Indians from volatile regions in West Asia.
The Indian nationals were airlifted from Mashhad in Iran and Ashgabat in Turkmenistan, with Iran opening its airspace to enable the safe passage of evacuation flights. The flight coming from Mashhad touched down at 11:30 PM IST at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) and was received by Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Consular, Passport, Visa & Overseas Indian Affairs) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
India Responds Swiftly Amid Growing Tensions
As geopolitical tensions escalated in the region, the Indian Embassy in Tehran worked round the clock to coordinate safe movement and assembly of Indian nationals- mostly students, religious pilgrims, and professionals trapped in high-risk zones. The government’s quick action drew heartfelt appreciation from evacuees and their families.
Zaffar Abbas Naqvi, one of the evacuees, recalled the fear and uncertainty that gripped his family when the initial attacks occurred. ‘We stayed indoors for days after we heard about the strikes. But when Mashhad too came under threat, Indian authorities contacted us,’ he said describing the response as ‘so swift that we cannot express our gratitude in words,’ thanking both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their decisive roles.
Evacuees Share Stories of Fear and Relief
Another evacuee, Kulsum, expressed deep relief after returning home, describing the situation in Iran as ‘worrisome’ and praising the Indian government’s intervention as ‘invaluable.’ For Mohammed Ali Qazim, also evacuated from Mashhad, the support received during their journey back including help in crossing the border was lifesaving. ‘The situation on the ground was not good at all. We are grateful to be back safely,’ he said.
Symbolic Return Home: ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ Echoes in the Airport
The emotional gravity of the operation was evident at the airport as chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Hindustan Zindabad’ resonated through the arrival terminal, symbolizing both relief and national pride. Many evacuees were seen embracing their loved ones, some with tears in their eyes, after days of anxiety and uncertainty abroad.
MEA, PMO, and State Govts Work in Sync
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed the successful operation in a post on X:
“Operation Sindhu flight brings citizens home. Evacuated 290 Indian nationals from Iran, including students and religious pilgrims, by a charter flight. The flight arrived in New Delhi at 2330 hrs on 20 June and was received by Secretary (CPV & OIA) Arun Chatterjee.”
He added: “The Government of India is grateful to the Government of Iran for the facilitation of the evacuation process.”
The operation showcases not only the strength of India’s diplomatic ties with Iran but also the well-coordinated efforts between the central government, MEA, Indian missions abroad, and state governments. The active involvement of the Prime Minister’s Office, MEA, and local authorities in states like Uttar Pradesh has helped streamline the logistics and ensure the safety of citizens from affected zones.
India Assists Sri Lankan Nationals as Part of Broader Humanitarian Effort
In a gesture of regional cooperation and humanitarian outreach, the Indian Embassy in Iran has extended its evacuation support to include Sri Lankan citizens currently stranded in the country. This assistance comes in response to a formal request from the Government of Sri Lanka, and reflects India’s commitment to supporting its neighbors during times of crisis. By broadening the scope of Operation Sindhu, India is not only ensuring the safety of its own citizens but also reinforcing its role as a responsible regional partner amid escalating tensions in the region.
More Evacuations Likely as Operation Sindhu Continues
With Iran now allowing access to its airspace for Indian rescue missions, more evacuation flights are expected in the coming days. The government continues to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to ensuring that all Indian nationals who wish to return are brought home safely.
‘Operation Sindhu’ stands as a testament to India’s evolving capability to respond to international crises involving its diaspora, reaffirming the government’s message that no Indian will be left behind in times of crisis.
