India Launches Operation Sindhu to Evacuate Citizens from Iran
New Delhi, June 21, 2025: As the conflict between Iran and Israel intensifies, raising concerns about potential U.S. intervention, India has launched Operation Sindhu, a crucial evacuation mission to bring home Indian nationals stranded in Iran.
After extended diplomatic negotiations, Tehran has agreed to open its airspace for these evacuations. In cooperation with the governments of Iran and Turkmenistan, over 1,000 Indians—many of whom are students—are being flown out from Mashhad in Iran and Ashgabat in Turkmenistan. The first flights, operated by the Iranian carrier Mahan Air, began arriving in India late Friday.
Iran’s Deputy Chief of Mission to India, Mohammad Javad Hosseini, confirmed the evacuation efforts. He stated that Indians were safely transported from Tehran to Qom and then to Mashhad, with full support from both Indian and Iranian authorities.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a formal statement emphasizing that the safety of Indian citizens is the government’s top priority. The statement noted, “The Government of India has been taking various steps for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran. We are grateful to the governments of Iran and Armenia for their assistance in this matter.”
The MEA also confirmed that some Indian students sustained injuries during recent strikes. Efforts are ongoing to relocate remaining citizens from high-risk areas to safer zones within Iran, followed by staged evacuations.
Key emergency contacts for Indian nationals have been provided:
– MEA Control Room (India): 1800118797, +91-11-23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905
– WhatsApp: +91-9968291988
– Indian Embassy Tehran (Calls): +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109
– WhatsApp Support: +98 901044557, +98 9015993320, +91 8086871709
– Email: [email protected]
Earlier, India evacuated 110 students to Armenia on June 19 and is now activating secondary routes through friendly nations such as Armenia, Turkmenistan, and Iraq. The Indian government continues to monitor regional developments and is preparing an evacuation strategy for its citizens in Israel, where tensions are also high.
With over 4,000 Indian nationals currently in Iran, this evacuation mission remains a top priority for the government. While other countries, including France, Greece, and New Zealand, have opted for land evacuations, India is utilizing its diplomatic ties and aviation routes to expedite the airlifts.
