In a world increasingly fraught with geopolitical tensions, the safety of citizens abroad remains a paramount concern for governments. On June 19, 2025, India demonstrated its unwavering commitment to this principle by launching Operation Sindhu, a meticulously coordinated mission to evacuate its nationals from Iran amidst the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. The operation, named after the life-giving Sindhu River, symbolizes India’s resolve to bring its citizens home safely from a war-torn region. This blog post delves into the details of Operation Sindhu, exploring its inception, execution, challenges, and significance, while providing a comprehensive overview of the broader conflict driving this urgent evacuation.
As missiles flew and sirens blared in Tehran, Indian students and workers faced unprecedented dangers. The first evacuation flight, carrying 110 students, landed in New Delhi from Yerevan, Armenia, marking a significant milestone in India’s humanitarian efforts. This post will unpack the operation’s logistics, the experiences of evacuees, and the geopolitical context, while offering insights into India’s history of successful evacuations and the global implications of the ongoing conflict.
The Genesis of Operation Sindhu
The Iran-Israel Conflict: A Rapid Escalation
The Iran-Israel conflict, which intensified on June 13, 2025, set the stage for Operation Sindhu. Israel’s Operation Rising Lion targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, including the Arak Heavy-Water Reactor, and military infrastructure, aiming to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan, leading to significant casualties and destruction. By June 19, 2025, the conflict had entered its seventh day, with over 400 deaths reported in Iran and widespread evacuations in both countries.
The conflict’s rapid escalation created a precarious situation for foreign nationals in Iran, including thousands of Indian students and workers. Indian students, particularly those studying medicine at institutions like Urmia Medical University, reported witnessing missile strikes and drones, with nightly air raid sirens disrupting their lives. The Indian government, recognizing the imminent danger, launched Operation Sindhu to ensure their safe return.
India’s Proactive Response
On June 17, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) initiated Operation Sindhu, drawing on India’s extensive experience in evacuating citizens from conflict zones, as seen in operations like Operation Ganga (Ukraine, 2022) and Operation Kaveri (Sudan, 2023). The mission aimed to evacuate Indian nationals, primarily students and workers, from high-risk areas in Iran, particularly Tehran and northern regions. The first phase focused on moving 110 students from northern Iran to Armenia, from where they were flown to New Delhi.
The operation was a testament to India’s diplomatic agility and coordination with international partners. The Indian Embassies in Tehran and Yerevan worked closely with Iranian and Armenian authorities to facilitate safe passage, while a 24/7 control room and emergency helplines provided real-time support to affected citizens.
Execution of Operation Sindhu
Phase 1: Evacuation from Tehran to Armenia
The first phase of Operation Sindhu was executed with precision. On June 17, 2025, 110 Indian students, including 90 from Jammu and Kashmir, were evacuated from northern Iran, primarily from Urmia and Tehran. The students were transported by road to Yerevan, Armenia, under the supervision of Indian Missions in both countries. This overland journey was necessitated by the closure of Iranian airspace to civilian flights due to ongoing airstrikes.
The students departed Yerevan on a special flight at 2:55 PM IST on June 18, 2025, landing in New Delhi in the early hours of June 19. Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, personally welcomed the evacuees at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, underscoring the government’s commitment to their safety.
Logistical Challenges
The evacuation faced several challenges:
- Conflict Zone Navigation: Tehran and other Iranian cities were under constant threat of missile strikes, complicating safe passage. Students reported seeing missiles and hearing explosions, which heightened the urgency of the operation.
- Communication Blackouts: Iran experienced mass communication disruptions, with internet restrictions and GPS malfunctions hindering coordination. The Indian Embassy provided critical support by maintaining open lines of communication.
- International Coordination: The operation required seamless collaboration with Armenian and Iranian authorities to ensure safe border crossings and flight arrangements.
Despite these challenges, the Indian government’s proactive measures, including the establishment of a 24/7 control room and emergency helplines (+98-912-596-3118, +98-912-596-3119), ensured that evacuees received timely assistance.
Evacuee Experiences
The evacuees, primarily students, shared harrowing accounts of their time in Iran. One student recounted, “We saw missiles being launched and intercepted. The situation was terrifying, with bombs falling near our residences.” Another expressed gratitude, stating, “The Indian Embassy provided us with food, shelter, and transportation. It felt like coming home to family.”
The students praised the Indian government’s swift response, with many crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for their leadership. The Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association also lauded the operation, highlighting the government’s prioritization of citizen safety.
The Broader Context: Iran-Israel Conflict in June 2025
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Timeline of the Conflict
The Iran-Israel conflict escalated rapidly in June 2025:
- June 13, 2025: Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and military leadership. Strikes hit Tehran, Isfahan, and the Natanz nuclear facility, killing senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders.
- June 14-15, 2025: Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities, including Ramat Gan and Tel Aviv, causing significant damage and casualties. Over 270 Israelis were wounded, and 10 were killed in initial strikes.
- June 16-17, 2025: Israel conducted further strikes on Tehran, targeting Iran’s state broadcaster IRINN and military sites. Iran issued evacuation warnings for Israeli media outlets in retaliation.
- June 18-19, 2025: The conflict intensified, with Israel claiming to have struck 40 sites in Iran on June 19 alone. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of a “bitter and painful” fate for Israel, while U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iran to evacuate Tehran and consider a ceasefire.
The conflict raised fears of a broader regional war, with potential U.S. involvement adding to global concerns. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem began arranging evacuations for American citizens, while China urged both nations to assist with the evacuation of its nationals.
Impact on Civilians
The conflict has caused widespread devastation:
- Iran: Over 400 deaths were reported, with residential areas, hospitals, and infrastructure damaged. Tehran faced fuel shortages and communication blackouts, leading to an urban exodus.
- Israel: Missile strikes destroyed buildings in Ramat Gan, Bat Yam, and Haifa, with nearly 3,000 people evacuated and 24 buildings slated for demolition.
The civilian toll underscored the urgency of operations like Sindhu, as foreign nationals, including Indians, faced increasing risks.
India’s History of Evacuation Operations
Operation Sindhu is part of India’s storied legacy of evacuating citizens from conflict zones. Previous operations include:
- Operation Ganga (2022): Evacuated over 22,500 Indian students from Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Operation Kaveri (2023): Rescued nearly 4,000 Indians from Sudan amid civil unrest.
- Operation Ajay (2023): Facilitated the return of over 1,200 Indians from Israel during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
These operations highlight India’s expertise in crisis management, leveraging diplomatic networks, military resources, and international cooperation. Operation Sindhu builds on this legacy, with plans for additional flights from Turkmenistan and other neighboring countries to evacuate remaining Indian nationals.
Challenges and Future Plans
Ongoing Challenges
While the first phase of Operation Sindhu was successful, several challenges remain:
- Remaining Citizens: Thousands of Indian nationals, including students and workers, are still in Iran, particularly in Tehran and Qom. Families in India, such as those in Bengaluru, have expressed concerns about their loved ones’ safety.
- Injured Nationals: The Iranian Embassy reported that some Indian students were injured in strikes, requiring medical attention and complicating evacuation efforts.
- Geopolitical Uncertainty: The ongoing conflict and potential U.S. involvement could further restrict airspace and border access, hindering future evacuations.
Future Phases
The Indian government has outlined plans for additional evacuation flights, with coordination ongoing with Turkmenistan and other countries. The MEA is also exploring alternative routes, such as maritime evacuations, similar to those used by the U.S. and Israel. The 24/7 control room and helplines will continue to provide updates and assistance, ensuring that all Indian nationals are accounted for.
Global Implications
Operation Sindhu underscores the broader implications of the Iran-Israel conflict:
- Humanitarian Concerns: The conflict has displaced thousands, with schools and mosques in Iran serving as makeshift shelters. International tourists, including Americans and Chinese, face similar challenges in leaving conflict zones.
- Geopolitical Tensions: The involvement of global powers, including the U.S. and China, raises the specter of a wider regional conflict. Trump’s calls for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and warnings to evacuate Tehran have intensified diplomatic friction.
- Nuclear Risks: Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities have set back its nuclear program, but Iran’s threats of retaliation, including potential nuclear escalation, remain a global concern.
India’s neutral stance and focus on citizen safety position it as a responsible global actor, balancing humanitarian priorities with diplomatic restraint.
Gratitude and International Cooperation
The success of Operation Sindhu’s first phase was bolstered by international cooperation. The governments of Iran, Armenia, and Turkmenistan facilitated border crossings and flight arrangements, earning praise from Indian officials. Evacuees expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, and the Indian Embassies for their tireless efforts.
The operation also highlighted the importance of diplomatic networks in crisis situations. India’s ability to coordinate with multiple countries under tight timelines demonstrates its growing influence on the global stage.
Operation Sindhu is a beacon of hope amid the chaos of the Iran-Israel conflict. By evacuating 110 students from war-torn Iran, India has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of its citizens, no matter where they are. The operation’s success reflects the government’s logistical prowess, diplomatic acumen, and humanitarian resolve. As the conflict continues, India’s efforts to bring its remaining nationals home will remain a priority, with Operation Sindhu serving as a testament to the nation’s resilience and compassion.
For those seeking updates or assistance, the Indian Embassy in Tehran’s emergency helplines (+98-912-596-3118, +98-912-596-3119) and the MEA’s control room are available 24/7. As the world watches the unfolding crisis, India’s Operation Sindhu stands as a model of crisis response in an increasingly volatile global landscape.
External Links for Further Reading
- Times of India: Operation Sindhu First Rescue Flight Lands – Detailed coverage of the first evacuation flight.
- Ministry of External Affairs: Operation Sindhu Updates – Official updates on India’s evacuation efforts.
- Al Jazeera: Iran-Israel Conflict Timeline – Comprehensive timeline of the conflict.
- Reuters: Iran-Israel Conflict Developments – Insights into the latest strikes and international responses.
- CNN: Israel-Iran Conflict Overview – Analysis of the conflict’s progression and global implications.
