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India Evacuates 3,000 Citizens from Iran and Israel
India has completed the safe evacuation of nearly 3,000 of its nationals from conflict-affected regions in Iran and Israel, as tensions between the two nations escalated into active military exchanges. The operation, overseen by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), combined coordinated efforts from the Indian Navy, Air Force, and civil aviation bodies to ensure the safe return of citizens from volatile areas.
Large-Scale Air and Naval Operations
Evacuations were carried out through a mix of special flights and naval deployments. Multiple Indian Air Force aircraft and chartered civilian flights operated from Tel Aviv and other Middle Eastern transit hubs, while the Indian Navy’s frontline vessels such as INS Suvarna played a critical role in evacuating citizens from Iranian ports.
These missions were executed amid a volatile backdrop of missile exchanges and airstrikes, with India categorizing the region as a “Level 4” conflict zone. The evacuation plan had been under preparation for weeks, activated once the situation deteriorated sharply.
Government’s 24×7 Coordination
The MEA set up round-the-clock war rooms and helplines to coordinate logistics and assist families of those stranded. Indian embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv, along with consular outreach teams, identified vulnerable groups including students, professionals, and pilgrims, ensuring they were moved swiftly to safer zones ahead of evacuation.
A senior official noted, “We tracked and contacted citizens across more than 10,000 locations to ensure no one was left behind.” In addition to flights, naval operations offered onboard medical support, food, and secure accommodation until the evacuees reached Indian shores.
Diplomatic and Humanitarian Outreach
The evacuation was not just a logistical feat but a display of India’s expanding global crisis response capabilities. The Indian government worked through complex diplomatic channels to negotiate safe corridors and port access in both Iran and Israel, despite the ongoing military conflict. Indian Navy ships docked at high-risk ports to pick up citizens, with military escorts guarding their return.
While most of the evacuees have now returned safely, the Indian government continues to monitor the situation closely. Citizens still present in the region have been urged to remain in contact with Indian embassies and register for future evacuation alerts.
