Operation Sindhu: India Successfully Evacuates Over 4,400 Citizens Amid West Asia Crisis

New Delhi: In a swift and well-coordinated operation in response to the rising tensions in West Asia, the Government of India has successfully completed the first phase of Operation Sindhu, evacuating 4,415 Indian nationals from conflict-affected regions of Iran and Israel. The operation commenced on June 18, marking one of the largest recent rescue efforts led by India in the region.

Initiated amid growing instability between Iran and Israel, the mission showcased India’s diplomatic agility and operational readiness in crisis situations. A total of 19 special flights, including three Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft, were deployed to facilitate the mass evacuation.

The majority of evacuees were airlifted from Iran, with 3,597 Indian citizens being brought back through 15 evacuation flights from Mashhad, Yerevan, and Ashgabat. The returnees included a diverse group of students, pilgrims, workers, professionals, and fishermen representing more than 15 Indian states. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), many were assisted through land border crossings, facilitated by Indian embassies in Tehran, Yerevan (Armenia), and Ashgabat (Turkmenistan).

Notably, the evacuation extended beyond Indian nationals, with India providing humanitarian assistance to neighboring countries’ citizens. The evacuees from Iran also included 14 OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders, 9 Nepalese, 4 Sri Lankan nationals, and one Iranian spouse of an Indian citizen, highlighting regional solidarity and India’s commitment to humanitarian outreach.

The second leg of Operation Sindhu began in Israel on June 23, where the Indian embassies in Tel Aviv, Ramallah, Amman (Jordan), and Cairo (Egypt) coordinated extensively with local authorities. Between June 22 and June 25, a total of 818 Indian citizens were safely brought home via four evacuation flights, including three IAF C-17 missions, operating from Amman and Sharm El Sheikh. These individuals, too, comprised students, professionals, and laborers working in or visiting the region.

In a statement, the MEA reiterated the Indian government’s “unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of Indian citizens abroad.” The operation demonstrated India's evolving global response capabilities, particularly in volatile geopolitical landscapes. The MEA also extended sincere gratitude to the governments of Iran, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Armenia, and Turkmenistan for their cooperation and support during the mission.

Indian diplomatic missions, the statement emphasized, will continue to engage actively with local authorities and Indian communities in Iran, Israel, and the broader West Asian region. Their ongoing presence will ensure real-time monitoring and swift response to any new developments that may threaten the safety of Indian nationals.

This high-stakes mission reinforces India’s proactive stance in protecting its diaspora during international crises and its ability to coordinate complex logistical efforts across multiple countries. Operation Sindhu not only underscores India’s diplomatic strength but also its humanitarian priorities on the global stage.

As the region remains tense, Indian authorities remain on alert, prepared to initiate further evacuations if needed. The successful first phase of Operation Sindhu adds another chapter to India’s growing portfolio of overseas rescue missions, reminiscent of previous operations like Vande Bharat and Operation Ganga.