KKN Gurugram Desk | Amid escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, the Government of India has successfully launched a special evacuation initiative named Operation Sindhu, aimed at rescuing Indian citizens—especially students—stranded in Iran.

According to an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), 110 Indian students were evacuated from northern Iran on June 17, 2025, and were routed through Armenia before being flown back to New Delhi on a special flight.

?? What is Operation Sindhu?

Operation Sindhu is a strategic evacuation campaign launched by India in response to the ongoing Iran-Israel military conflict, which has jeopardized the safety of thousands of Indian nationals, particularly students enrolled in medical and professional courses across Iranian universities.

The name “Sindhu” is symbolic, derived from India’s ancient civilizational ties with the region. Notably, this mission comes in the wake of other successful evacuation efforts such as Operation Ganga (Ukraine, 2022) and Operation Ajay (Israel, 2023).

 110 Students Safely Evacuated via Armenia

In a press briefing on June 18, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed:

“India has launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate its citizens from Iran. On June 17, under the supervision of our missions in Iran and Armenia, 110 Indian students were successfully extracted from northern Iran. They crossed into Armenia and departed from Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport via a special flight arranged by the Indian government.”

These students are expected to arrive in New Delhi on the morning of June 19, 2025.

 Why Armenia Was Used as an Evacuation Route

Given the high-risk situation in Iran, direct flights were deemed unsafe due to potential airspace violations and missile threats. Armenia, which shares borders with Iran and maintains diplomatic neutrality, was chosen as a safe exit corridor.

Once inside Armenian territory, Indian missions provided the students with logistical and security support, including transportation, meals, and shelter until they boarded the special evacuation flight.

 Over 4,000 Indians in Iran – Half of Them Students

As per MEA records, more than 4,000 Indian citizens are currently based in Iran. Roughly 50% of them are students, many of whom hail from Jammu & Kashmir, and are pursuing medical and professional courses at various universities across Iran.

Due to the heightened security risks, India’s embassies in Tehran and Yerevan have activated 24×7 control rooms to monitor the status of Indian nationals and guide them through the evacuation process.

 Previous Indian Evacuation Missions: A Quick Overview

India has a proven track record of launching efficient and timely evacuation missions in times of international crises:

? Operation Ganga (2022)

• Launched during the Russia-Ukraine war

• Evacuated over 22,000 Indian nationals, mostly students

? Operation Ajay (2023)

• Carried out during the Hamas-Israel conflict

• Focused on rescuing Indians stranded in Tel Aviv and surrounding regions

? Operation Sindhu (2025)

• Launched in response to Iran-Israel war escalation

• Ongoing effort, beginning with successful evacuation of 110 students

These operations underscore India’s commitment to “protecting every Indian, anywhere in the world”, a stance consistently reiterated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

 What About Other Indians Still in Iran?

While Operation Sindhu has successfully extracted the first batch of students, MEA sources confirm that hundreds of Indian citizens still remain in Iran, particularly in cities like Qom, Mashhad, Isfahan, and Tehran.

Officials are working with local authorities and universities to:

• Ensure students are moved to safer zones

• Arrange for further evacuations in phases

• Maintain direct communication with family members in India

A second batch of evacuations is currently under planning, subject to ground conditions and security clearances.

 Iran-Israel War and Its Fallout on Civilians

The rapidly deteriorating security situation in Iran, triggered by direct missile strikes, cyberattacks, and aerial bombardments, has resulted in significant civilian disruption. In some regions, electricity and communication lines have been affected, further complicating evacuation logistics.

MEA has advised all Indian nationals to avoid non-essential movement, stay indoors, and register their details with the Indian embassy for real-time updates and coordination.

 What the Families Are Saying

Families of stranded students, especially from Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, have expressed relief and gratitude following the announcement of successful evacuation.

“My son studies medicine in Iran. We were extremely worried since the attacks began. The government’s response has given us new hope,” said Farooq Ahmad, a parent from Srinagar.

“We are thankful that India is taking proactive steps. We pray all our children come home safely,” said Renu Sharma, mother of another student from Amritsar.

 Emergency Contact Details for Indians in Iran

To assist with the ongoing evacuation efforts, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued the following helpline numbers:

 Embassy of India – Tehran

•  Emergency Helpline: +98-XXXX-XXXX

•  Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in

 Embassy of India – Yerevan

•  Helpline: +374-XXXX-XXXX

•  Email: indemb.yerevan@mea.gov.in

Citizens are encouraged to keep identification documents, travel papers, and emergency contacts ready.

Operation Sindhu highlights India’s continued commitment to protecting its diaspora, especially students in high-risk zones. While the mission has only just begun, the first successful evacuation marks a significant step in ensuring the safety and dignity of Indian citizens abroad.

As the situation in Iran and the wider Middle East evolves, KKNLive.com will continue to provide real-time coverage, diplomatic developments, and ground-level insights into Operation Sindhu and beyond.