NEW DELHI: The first group of Indian nationals evacuated under Operation Sindhu landed safely in New Delhi early Thursday, as tensions continue to rise amid the ongoing military conflict between Iran and Israel. The special evacuation flight carried 110 Indian students who were relocated from northern Iran to Armenia before being flown home.
India launched Operation Sindhu to ensure the safety of its citizens in conflict-affected regions of Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Indian students residing in Tehran had been safely moved out of the city through coordinated efforts by the Indian Embassy.
“These students were relocated from Tehran as a precautionary measure. Arrangements for their safe transfer were made by the Indian Embassy in coordination with local authorities,” the MEA stated.
The students departed from Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan on a special flight at 14:55 IST on June 18 and arrived in New Delhi in the early hours of June 19.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced on social media:
“Operation Sindhu begins. India evacuated 110 students from northern Iran who crossed into Armenia under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia. They departed from Yerevan and have now safely arrived in New Delhi. India gives the highest priority to the safety and security of its nationals abroad.”
Indian authorities expressed their gratitude to both the Iranian and Armenian governments for their cooperation and assistance in facilitating the evacuation.
The MEA also noted that the Indian Embassy in Tehran continues to assist citizens still in Iran by relocating them from conflict-prone areas to safer regions and preparing them for subsequent evacuation.
In its advisory, the ministry urged Indian nationals still in Iran to stay in regular contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and the 24/7 Control Room set up by the MEA in New Delhi, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the safety of Indians abroad.
