India has launched ‘Operation Sindhu’ to evacuate Indian nationals, primarily students, stranded in Iran as the Iran-Israel conflict intensifies. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), around 110 Indian students from northern Iran were successfully evacuated after being guided across the border into Armenia.
Under the supervision of Indian diplomatic missions in Tehran and Yerevan, the students reached Armenia safely and boarded a special flight from Zvartnots International Airport. They are expected to land in New Delhi in the early hours of June 19, 2025.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “India launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran. India evacuated 110 students from northern Iran who crossed into Armenia under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia on 17th June. They departed from Yerevan on a special flight and will arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of 19th June.”
The evacuation comes amid reports of missile and drone attacks in Iran as tensions with Israel continue to rise. Several Indian students had earlier reached out on social media, sharing their plight and requesting immediate assistance from the Indian government.
Iran currently hosts more than 4,000 Indian nationals, with approximately 2,000 being students—many of whom are pursuing medical and other professional degrees, especially from Jammu and Kashmir.
Operation Sindhu follows a series of similar missions by the Indian government aimed at protecting its citizens during international crises. In 2023, Operation Ajay was launched to evacuate Indians caught in the Israel–Hamas conflict. In 2022, Operation Ganga was initiated during the Russia–Ukraine war to bring Indian students back home safely from Ukraine.
India’s swift response once again reflects its commitment to the safety and well-being of its diaspora, even in regions fraught with conflict.
