On June 27, 2025, India officially announced the ongoing success of Operation Sindhu—a large-scale humanitarian evacuation effort aimed at rescuing Indian nationals stranded in Iran and Israel, two regions engulfed in rising conflict. The operation, which began on June 18, stands as a powerful demonstration of India’s commitment to the safety and dignity of its citizens abroad.
As regional tensions between Iran and Israel reached dangerous levels, airstrikes, cyberattacks, and retaliatory assaults made it impossible for thousands of Indians to remain safely in affected areas. In response, India mobilized one of its most complex and diplomatically intense evacuation missions in recent history.
Scale and Execution: A Closer Look at Operation Sindhu
Evacuation Statistics at a Glance
- Total Indian citizens evacuated: 4,415
- From Iran: 3,597
- From Israel: 818
- 19 total evacuation flights, including:
- 16 civilian-chartered flights
- 3 Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster missions
- Evacuated nationals include:
- Over 1,500 women
- Nearly 500 children
- 14 OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card holders
- 9 Nepali nationals, 4 Sri Lankans, and 1 Iranian national (spouse of an Indian citizen)
These numbers reflect not just logistical planning but real-time operational excellence during a volatile international crisis.
Mapping the Rescue: Multi-Country Coordination
Iran Evacuation Corridor
With heavy missile attacks targeting urban and border zones in Iran, India evacuated citizens from multiple hotspots:
- Tehran
- Mashhad
- Qom
- Yazd
- Kerman
India leveraged land transit routes through Armenia and Turkmenistan, with evacuees flown out from:
- Yerevan (Armenia)
- Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
Coordination involved:
- Indian embassies in Tehran, Yerevan, Ashgabat, and Mashhad
- Support from local Iranian authorities who reopened closed airspaces on India’s diplomatic request
Israel Evacuation Challenges
India evacuated citizens from key zones of tension:
- Tel Aviv
- Jerusalem
- Ashdod
- Ramallah (West Bank)
Land transit was arranged through:
- Amman, Jordan
- Cairo, Egypt
The Indian embassies in Tel Aviv, Amman, and Cairo coordinated directly with local defence and immigration authorities to secure cross-border movement and flight arrangements.
A Humanitarian Operation with Geopolitical Complexity
Background of the Crisis
The Iran-Israel conflict intensified in early June 2025 with:
- Airstrikes on suspected nuclear facilities in Iran
- Retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iranian proxies in the region
- Naval blockades impacting maritime access
- Internet blackouts and civil disruption
Thousands of Indian nationals—especially students, IT professionals, skilled workers, and pilgrims—found themselves stuck, with no access to flights or safety.
Decision to Act Swiftly
The Indian government activated Operation Sindhu through:
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- Ministry of Civil Aviation
- Indian Air Force
- Embassies in West Asia
The operation was codenamed ‘Sindhu’, invoking India’s ancient civilizational roots and the power of unity in times of uncertainty.
Voices of Gratitude: Citizens Speak
The emotional impact of the rescue was evident as citizens arrived back on Indian soil.
“Our families were crying daily. Flights were suspended. We felt forgotten until India Came through” — Rina, a postgraduate student evacuated from Iran
“I want to thank our government. Everything—food, stay, travel—was arranged in chaotic conditions.” — Amir, a skilled worker from Tel Aviv
A special Air India flight from Yerevan carrying 173 evacuees landed in New Delhi on June 26 around 10:30 PM. Many of them had walked or driven for hours through narrow routes to reach border crossings in time.
India’s Global Leadership in Crisis Management
Diplomatic Appreciation
India publicly expressed gratitude to:
- Iranian Government for reopening airspace
- Armenia & Turkmenistan for border access
- Jordan & Egypt for smooth cross-border evacuations
These acknowledgments reflect India’s soft power diplomacy and its ability to call on friendly nations even during their own internal instability.
International Recognition
Global media and foreign ministries praised India’s logistical speed and efficiency:
- Reuters described it as “the most disciplined extraction effort seen in West Asia in 2025”
- The Jerusalem Post highlighted India’s cooperation with both Israel and Palestine, calling it “a rare neutral humanitarian victory”
Lessons from Operation Sindhu
- India’s Evacuation Muscle is Stronger Than Ever
With the experience of missions like Vande Bharat, Operation Ganga, and now Operation Sindhu, India has become a global model for non-combatant evacuation operations (NEOs).
- Diplomacy is India’s Silent Force
Behind every plane that lands with citizens is a team of negotiators, diplomats, and volunteers working around the clock in multiple time zones.
- Technology and Rapid Response
Real-time data from Indian missions abroad, secure coordination apps, and pre-arranged exit routes show how India has fused tech and tradition in disaster response.
What’s Next?
Although evacuation flights have slowed, Indian missions in Iran and Israel continue to:
- Monitor local tensions
- Assist citizens who chose to stay
- Provide consular and emergency support
MEA has also set up helplines, emergency shelters, and WhatsApp support lines to ensure no citizen feels alone.
Final Thoughts: The Spirit of Operation Sindhu
Operation Sindhu was not just a logistical exercise— it was a vital humanitarian effort, a strong statement that India is willing to do whatever it takes to safeguard its people, even in areas where geopolitical tensions are high. In a time filled with unpredictability, India demonstrated a clear sense of purpose. India exhibited leadership not by brandishing weapons or issuing threats—but by showing care, compassion, and effective coordination.