India Mounts 'Operation Sindhu' to Repatriate Citizens from Iran Amid Conflict
India has launched 'Operation Sindhu' to evacuate its nationals from Iran following the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. To date, 517 Indians have safely returned. The operation underscores India's commitment to its citizens' welfare abroad during crises. The conflict, now in its ninth day, began after an Israeli airstrike on June 13 and subsequent Iranian military responses, prompting urgent evacuation measures by New Delhi.
Unpacked:
The Israel-Iran conflict led to heightened military tensions and security risks in Iran, making it unsafe for foreign nationals. India launched the evacuation to protect its citizens from possible harm as the situation escalated following the Israeli airstrike and Iran's military responses.
Operation Sindhu was coordinated by the Indian Embassy in Tehran, which managed the safe return of students and other citizens. The Ministry of External Affairs oversaw the evacuation process. Special flights, including one from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, were used to bring evacuees home safely.
The majority of evacuees were from Jammu and Kashmir, but there were also individuals from Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, West Bengal, and other states.
Yes, India has extended Operation Sindhu to assist and evacuate Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens from Iran, with the Indian Embassy in Tehran now coordinating support for these South Asian nationals as well.