Amid growing tensions and military escalation between Iran and Israel, the Indian government has successfully repatriated 110 Indian nationals from Iran under the emergency evacuation mission codenamed Operation Sindhu. The evacuees, primarily students pursuing medical education in Iranian universities, landed safely in New Delhi.
The Indian embassy in Tehran, in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), initiated a multi-step evacuation process. The students were first moved from conflict-affected areas such as Tehran and border cities to safer locations like Armenia and Qatar, before being flown to India.
“We are thankful to the Indian government and the embassy staff. They made sure we were safe every step of the way,” said Mariam Roz, an MBBS student from Urmia University. “We didn’t face major issues during evacuation, but travelling for three days straight has left us exhausted.”
Another student, Yasir Gaffar, recounted the intensity of the conflict they witnessed. “We could hear explosions at night. Missiles were visible from our dorm windows. It was terrifying. I'm grateful we are now back home,” he told reporters at Delhi airport.
Several students shared harrowing experiences of witnessing drone activity, night-time shelling, and rapidly deteriorating security in cities like Tehran. However, they also expressed hope that once the situation stabilises, they would be able to return and complete their education.
Amaan Azhar, a final-year student, said, “We saw children and families suffering. War doesn’t spare anyone. It was painful to witness, but I’m relieved to be home.”
Parents of the evacuees, many of whom had travelled from different states to receive their children, were overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. “The government did an excellent job. My daughter was brought back safely. I hope every student in Iran is helped in the same way,” said a mother from Uttar Pradesh.
A father from Rajasthan, whose son was studying near the Iran-Armenia border, added, “The evacuation was smooth for those in the border areas, but students in Tehran are still in danger. I urge the government to prioritise their safe return too.”
Operation Sindhu was launched as part of India’s broader strategy to protect its citizens abroad during geopolitical emergencies. MEA officials have confirmed that further evacuation flights are being planned, especially for Indian nationals stranded deeper within Iran’s interior regions.
The Indian government continues to monitor the Iran-Israel situation closely and has issued advisories urging Indian citizens in the region to remain in contact with the Indian Embassy and avoid high-risk zones.
