India Extends Evacuation Efforts in Iran to Nepali and Sri Lankan Nationals
As part of 'Operation Sindhu,' India will also evacuate citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka from Iran, responding to requests from their respective governments. This humanitarian gesture broadens the scope of India's mission to bring people home amidst the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. It showcases regional cooperation and India's role in providing assistance beyond its own nationals during international crises.
Unpacked:
India expanded Operation Sindhu to evacuate Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens after receiving formal requests from the governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka. Both countries lacked the resources and diplomatic presence in Iran to conduct large-scale evacuations themselves, so they sought India's assistance, which India granted as part of its humanitarian approach and regional cooperation efforts.
Operation Sindhu was launched due to the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Iran following an escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel, which included direct military strikes and air raids affecting major cities like Tehran and Mashhad. The safety of thousands of Indian nationals, especially students, was threatened, prompting immediate action by the Indian government.
Operation Sindhu aims to evacuate over 4,000 Indian nationals, including more than 2,000 students—mainly enrolled in medical colleges—as well as professionals and workers. Additionally, the operation now includes Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens stranded in Iran, though specific numbers for these groups have not been officially disclosed.
Iran has cooperated with India's evacuation mission by making exceptions to open its airspace for evacuation flights, despite ongoing military conflict. This rare gesture has facilitated the safe extraction of foreign nationals, including Indians and others, from conflict zones within Iran.