India Launches ‘Operation Sindhu’ to Evacuate Citizens from War-Torn Iran

India Launches ‘Operation Sindhu’ to Evacuate Citizens from War-Hit Iran.

Amid escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, India has launched ‘Operation Sindhu’, a coordinated evacuation mission to rescue its nationals stranded in conflict zones, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Wednesday.

In the first phase of the operation, 110 Indian students, most of them from Jammu and Kashmir’s Kashmir Valley, were safely evacuated from Urmia in northern Iran to Armenia on June 17. From Yerevan, they boarded a special flight at 2:55 pm IST on June 18, and are expected to land in New Delhi in the early hours of June 19.

The MEA thanked the governments of Iran and Armenia for their cooperation in facilitating the overland evacuation and onward journey. The Indian embassies in Tehran and Yerevan played a key role in organizing the safe transit.

“India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad,” the ministry said, adding that evacuation efforts will continue using “all feasible options.”

To support the operation, the MEA has set up a 24×7 control room in New Delhi, offering assistance and updates to affected citizens and their families. Emergency helplines have also been activated in India and Iran, including in cities like Bandar Abbas and Zahedan.

Control Room Contacts:

Toll-free: 1800 118 797

Helplines: +91-11-23012113 / 23014104 / 23017905

WhatsApp: +91 9968291988

Email: situationroom@mea.gov.in

Embassy of India, Tehran Emergency Lines:

Calls: +98 9128109115 / +98 9128109109

WhatsApp: +98 901044557 / +98 9015993320 / +91 8086871709

Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in

“Our university advised us to leave. Around 110 of us are heading home. We’re grateful to the Indian government,” he said.

Conflict Escalates in Iran
The evacuation comes as the Iran-Israel conflict enters its sixth day, with both sides exchanging heavy airstrikes. Israel’s bombing of Iranian nuclear and military sites last Friday killed several senior Iranian generals and scientists.

The situation deteriorated further today with new Israeli strikes reported in Tehran, including in District 18 near Mehrabad airport. Multiple explosions were heard, with smoke rising from several areas in the capital, according to AFP.

With tensions mounting in the region, India is expected to continue its efforts under Operation Sindhu to ensure the safety of all citizens in Iran.