Iran-Israel War: Thousands of Indians to Return Home as Iran Assists in Evacuation; Special Flights Deployed Under 'Operation Sindhu'
As the Iran-Israel war intensifies for the eighth consecutive day, with missile exchanges causing significant casualties and destruction, the Indian government has launched 'Operation Sindhu' to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian citizens stranded in Iran.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that thousands of Indians currently in Iran will be brought back to India in coordination with Iranian authorities, who are said to be fully cooperating with the evacuation process. Iran has reportedly eased several airspace restrictions to facilitate the movement of special flights.
Special Flights from Iran to Delhi
According to official sources, three special Iranian aircraft have been deployed for the evacuation mission.
The first flight is scheduled to depart Iran on Friday night,
The next two flights will arrive in Delhi by Saturday afternoon.
Iran has also assured that additional flights will be made available if required. So far, 110 Indian nationals have been safely repatriated earlier this week under Operation Sindhu.
India’s Broader Evacuation Strategy
While the current focus remains on Iran, the Indian government is also closely monitoring the situation in Israel, which is equally tense due to the ongoing conflict. Officials are evaluating the possibility of evacuating Indian citizens from Israel via land routes, as airspace restrictions continue to pose operational challenges in the region.
A senior official stated, “All Indian citizens in Iran are currently safe, and efforts are being made to ensure their timely and secure return to India. We are grateful to the Iranian government for their assistance and coordination.”
Operation Sindhu: A Lifeline Amid Crisis
Operation Sindhu, launched by the Indian government, is a strategic evacuation mission designed to rescue Indian nationals from conflict zones. Similar to past operations like Vande Bharat and Operation Ganga, this mission underlines India’s commitment to the safety of its citizens abroad.
As the Iran-Israel conflict escalates, diplomatic coordination and rapid response mechanisms remain crucial in safeguarding citizens and managing the humanitarian impact of war.