Operation Sindhu: 173 Indian Nationals Safely Evacuated From Iran, Arrive in Delhi

In a remarkable display of coordination and swift action, the Government of India successfully brought home 173 Indian nationals from Iran under Operation Sindhu. The special evacuation flight, which took off from Yerevan, Armenia, landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, at 10:30 PM on June 26.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the arrival and expressed gratitude to the governments of Iran, Armenia, and Turkmenistan for their cooperation in facilitating the evacuation.

🇮🇳 Gratitude From the Evacuees

Many of those onboard, including students and professionals, shared heartfelt messages of thanks upon their arrival.
“The government stood by us every step of the way. From food and accommodation to a safe return — everything was handled with care,” said one returning student.

Another evacuee remarked, “On behalf of all the students, I thank our Prime Minister and the Ministry of External Affairs for ensuring our safety.”

🛡️ Operation Sindhu: A Life-Saving Initiative

Launched on June 18, Operation Sindhu was initiated in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, especially between Iran and Israel. According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, more than 4,400 people have been evacuated so far. This includes:

• 3,597 Indian nationals from Iran
• 818 Indian nationals from Israel
• 14 OCI card-holders, 9 Nepali nationals, 4 Sri Lankan citizens, and 1 Iranian spouse of an Indian national

The Government of India continues to monitor the situation closely, keeping evacuation channels ready for any future requirements.

🌍 International Cooperation at Its Best

The operation was made possible through the support of multiple countries. Iran allowed its airspace for evacuation, while Armenia and Turkmenistan extended crucial logistical assistance. India acknowledged their help, calling it a gesture of friendship and solidarity in difficult times.