Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, India has successfully evacuated close to 3,000 of its nationals from Iran and Israel as part of the ongoing Operation Sindhu. The evacuation process, carried out using Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft and chartered commercial flights, reflects the swift response of Indian authorities to ensure the safety of its citizens. The first batch of 161 evacuees from Israel crossed into Jordan and landed in New Delhi early Tuesday morning, followed by multiple groups being brought home from Egypt, Jordan, and Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs, including MoS Pabitra Margherita and spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, welcomed the evacuees at the Delhi airport, underscoring the government’s high-level coordination in this mission.
The evacuation faced logistical hurdles, including airspace restrictions following Iranian missile strikes, which delayed several flights from Jordan. Despite these obstacles, India continued its rescue efforts with determination. Another C-17 flight brought home 165 Indians from Jordan, while nearly 300 individuals were airlifted from Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt. In parallel, chartered flights continued from Mashhad, Iran—where 2,295 Indians have been rescued so far, many of whom were students and pilgrims. Indian nationals in Israel were earlier advised to exit via land borders to Egypt or Jordan, from where special flights were arranged. The mission showcases India’s diplomatic agility in coordinating with multiple countries amid regional instability.
Operation Sindhu stands as a testament to India’s growing global crisis response capabilities. With over 32,000 Indians in Israel—many employed in caregiving and construction—and nearly 10,000 in Iran, the timely evacuations have brought relief to thousands of families back home. The Indian embassy in Tehran has assured full evacuation of all citizens currently in Iran. As regional hostilities continue, India remains vigilant, prioritizing citizen safety and maintaining strong communication lines with allies and regional partners. The success of Operation Sindhu not only demonstrates India’s logistical preparedness but also highlights the government’s proactive foreign policy and humanitarian commitment.
