In a swift and coordinated response to escalating Middle East tensions, the Indian government successfully evacuated 290 students, primarily from Jamm
In a swift and coordinated response to escalating Middle East tensions, the Indian government successfully evacuated 290 students, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir, from Iran on June 20, 2025, as part of Operation Sindhu. The operation, launched amid intensifying Israel-Iran conflict, underscores India’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad during a period of heightened regional instability. With Tehran under threat from ongoing airstrikes and missile exchanges, the evacuation highlights the challenges faced by Indian students stranded in a volatile region and the diplomatic efforts to bring them home safely.
The evacuation was prompted by a sharp escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran, marked by missile strikes and air raids that have disrupted normal life in Iran’s capital and other cities. Recent reports indicate that Tehran has been a focal point of Israeli strikes, with explosions and blackouts creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. For the approximately 6,000 Indian students studying in Iran, many pursuing medical degrees at institutions like Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Urmia University, the situation became increasingly precarious. Students reported being confined to basements for safety, with limited communication due to weak internet connectivity, amplifying their distress and that of their families back home.
Operation Sindhu, named to reflect India’s resolve, was executed with precision by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in collaboration with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and the mission in Armenia. The operation involved relocating students from high-risk areas like Tehran and Urmia to safer zones within Iran, such as Qom, before facilitating their exit. On June 19, 110 students from Urmia University were transported via land routes to the Armenia border, where they were airlifted to Delhi. A subsequent flight from Mashhad, carrying 290 students, landed in Delhi late on June 20, greeted by emotional reunions with families. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh personally welcomed the evacuees, emphasizing the government’s priority to protect its citizens.
The operation’s success relied on diplomatic coordination with regional partners. Official statements from the MEA confirm that India engaged with authorities in Armenia and Turkmenistan to secure safe passage and airspace for evacuation flights. Additionally, India extended its efforts to include citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka, following requests from their governments, showcasing its role as a regional leader in crisis response. The Indian Embassy in Tehran also established a 24/7 control room in New Delhi to monitor the situation and provide assistance, urging Indian nationals in Tehran to contact the embassy if they had not already done so.
The Middle East crisis has broader implications for Indian students and expatriates in the region. With an estimated 10,000 Indian nationals in Iran, including 6,000 students, the government faces the complex task of ensuring their safety amid ongoing airstrikes and airport closures. Students like Mehreen Zaffar, a third-year MBBS student at Tehran University, described living in constant fear, with air raid sirens and blackouts disrupting daily life. “We were scared and cut off from our families,” she told a news agency, highlighting the psychological toll of the conflict. The Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association played a crucial role in advocating for the students, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah coordinating with the MEA to prioritize their safe return.
The Israel-Iran conflict shows no immediate signs of de-escalation, with recent reports noting Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes and Israel’s Operation Rising Lion targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. This has raised global concerns, with countries like the UK withdrawing diplomatic families from Israel as a precaution. For India, the focus remains on completing Operation Sindhu, with more evacuation flights planned. The government’s proactive measures, including real-time monitoring and international cooperation, reflect a commitment to safeguarding its citizens in a region on edge.
As the Middle East grapples with uncertainty, India’s evacuation efforts offer a beacon of hope for those caught in the crossfire. The safe return of 290 students marks a significant milestone, but the ongoing crisis underscores the need for continued vigilance and diplomacy to protect Indian nationals abroad.
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