Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, India has launched a successful evacuation mission — Operation Sindhu — to rescue thousands of Indian nationals stranded in the region. The operation was triggered after Israel began Operation Rising Lion on June 13, targeting Iran’s military and nuclear facilities, sparking fears of regional war.
Land routes to airlifts, India’s wide diplomatic engagement ensured safe return
The evacuation began on June 18 with the safe return of 2,295 Indians so far. On June 17, a flight brought back 290 Indians and one Sri Lankan from Mashhad. Initially, land routes through Armenia and Turkmenistan were used due to the closure of Iranian airspace. But from June 20 onward, Iran permitted exclusive use of its skies for Indian rescue flights. Evacuations from Israel were also coordinated through Jordan and Kuwait, showing India’s broad diplomatic reach.
Grateful voices from returnees: ‘We didn’t expect this much help’
Students who returned on special flights expressed deep gratitude. Sheikh Afsa, evacuated from northern Iran, told ANI, “They literally took us from our dormitory… we didn’t expect this much help.” Another student said, “We used to hear that Modi ji considers all Indians as family. Today we felt it.” A third added, “I am very thankful for my government because of which our problems are solved.”
Hostel bunkers and sirens: A researcher’s account from Jerusalem
Arvind Shukla, a postdoctoral researcher evacuated from Jerusalem, described the harrowing situation: “Missiles were flying over our heads… we would rush to bunkers when sirens rang.” He said 160 people were evacuated via Jordan and Kuwait, with “proper food, water, and the embassy staff being very kind.”
Fear of disrupted education, hope to return soon
While students expressed relief, some feared the war’s impact on their studies. A fourth-year student from Jammu and Kashmir told ANI, “We didn’t expect to be back, but such is the situation… I hope the war ends soon so we can return to complete our education.”
India puts citizens’ safety first, earns regional praise
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the continued efforts: “India evacuated 110 students from northern Iran, who crossed into Armenia under the supervision of our Missions… We give top priority to the safety of Indians abroad.” Even Sri Lankan student Fatima Iman praised India’s Neighbourhood First approach, citing India’s record of evacuations in Kuwait (1990) and Yemen (2015), and thanking Indian authorities for their role in rescuing her alongside Indian students.
