New Delhi : As tensions continue to escalate between Iran and Israel, the Government of India has launched “Operation Sindhu” to evacuate Indian nationals stranded in the conflict zones. In the first successful phase of the mission, 110 Indians, including 90 students, were brought back to India via Armenia. The IndiGo charter flight 6E 9487 landed safely in New Delhi on Thursday morning, bringing immense relief to families back home.
Smiles Return with Safe Homecoming
Of the 110 evacuees, 94 are from Jammu and Kashmir, and 54 among them are female students. The evacuees were transported by road from Iran to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, under the strict supervision of Indian missions in both countries. Their return was met with emotional scenes at the airport as families rejoiced and thanked the Indian government for acting swiftly.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh was present at the airport to receive the returnees and assured that further rescue operations were underway. “The government remains committed to the safety of all Indians abroad,” he stated.
Over 10,000 Indians Still in Iran
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), over 10,000 Indians remain stranded in Iran, with a large majority being students. On Wednesday evening, the MEA confirmed that students residing in Tehran had been safely moved out of the capital. The ministry has advised all Indian nationals in Iran to stay connected through emergency helplines of the Indian Embassy in Tehran and the control room set up in New Delhi.
7th Day of Israel-Iran War
The evacuation comes amid the seventh day of intense warfare between Iran and Israel. On Wednesday alone, more than 50 Israeli fighter jets bombarded Tehran, including nearby Karaj, targeting critical nuclear infrastructure sites. These facilities are known for housing centrifuges used in uranium enrichment.
As both nations continue their military offensives, the safety of civilians, including foreign nationals, has become a pressing global concern. India’s rapid response through Operation Sindhu is being hailed as a decisive humanitarian move to protect its citizens in volatile regions.
Gratitude Amid Crisis
Speaking after landing, many of the returning students expressed heartfelt gratitude. “We were scared, unsure of what would happen. But India didn’t forget us. We are thankful to the embassies in Iran and Armenia and to the government for bringing us home,” said Amina Shah, a medical student from Srinagar.
Operation Sindhu will continue over the coming days as the government prepares to bring back more Indians still stranded in Iran and other conflict-affected areas.
