New Delhi | IP News | June 25, 2025
India has successfully evacuated 3,170 citizens from war-torn Iran and Israel under Operation Sindhu, one of its largest and swiftest civilian rescue missions in recent years. Launched amid the collapse of the Israel-Iran ceasefire and renewed missile strikes, the operation has brought home students, pilgrims, and workers, supported by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Indian Air Force (IAF), as tensions threaten a broader Middle East conflict.
-
Latest 24 Hours: Over 1,100 rescued on June 24, 2025.
-
292 from Mashhad, Iran, via a special flight landing at 00:01 IST, June 25.
-
268 from Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, via IAF C-17, arriving at 11:00 IST, June 24.
-
-
Earlier Phases: 2,295 from Iran and 594 from Israel, including land routes via Jordan and Egypt, using Air India and IAF C-17 aircraft (MEA, June 24).
-
Foreign Nationals: Three Sri Lankans and two Nepalese evacuated from Iran, reflecting India’s “Neighbours First” policy.
Returnees shared gripping accounts:
-
A Coimbatore student described nightly missile sirens and bunker stays near Tel Aviv.
-
Lucknow pilgrims endured 14 hours of shelling in southern Iran, sheltered in a shrine before MEA assistance.
The IAF deployed C-17 Globemaster aircraft from Amman and Sharm El-Sheikh for rapid repatriation. Indian missions provided:
-
Emergency passports and documentation.
-
Safe land transit through Jordan and Egypt.
-
Medical aid and shelter for stranded citizens.
Union Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasised, “India stands resolute in safeguarding its people Operation Sindhu showcases our global reach”.
India’s swift action has earned international praise amid ceasefire collapse and Iranian strikes on Be’er Sheva (four deaths, Haaretz). With oil prices at $84/barrel (Reuters), India monitors the region, preparing for further evacuations as tensions rise.
With ceasefire prospects dim, the MEA advises against non-essential travel and urges remaining citizens in Iran or Israel to register on official portals for support, ensuring continued safety amid uncertainty.
