India Evacuates Over 4,400 Citizens from Israel and Iran
India has successfully evacuated 4,415 of its citizens from conflict-ridden Israel and Iran under 'Operation Sindhu', the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed. The operation utilized 19 special flights to bring back 3,597 people from Iran and 818 from Israel. The evacuations, prompted by recent hostilities in West Asia, also included some nationals from Nepal and Sri Lanka. India continues to monitor the situation on the ground following a US-brokered ceasefire between the two nations.
Unpacked:
The evacuation was triggered by intensified hostilities between Iran and Israel, including missile and drone attacks and the US bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites on June 22, 2025, which raised security risks for foreign nationals in the region.
India coordinated the evacuation using 19 special flights, including three operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Ministry of External Affairs oversaw the operation, with support from the IAF and diplomatic missions in the region to ensure safe passage for evacuees.
Citizens from Nepal and Sri Lanka were included because India often extends assistance to neighboring countries during emergencies, especially when their own evacuation resources are limited. The operation evacuated nine Nepali and four Sri Lankan nationals, alongside Indian nationals.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, there are approximately 10,000 Indian nationals in Iran and about 40,000 in Israel, indicating that the majority remain in both countries after the evacuation, which focused on those in immediate danger.