India Expands Operation Sindhu To Evacuate Citizens From Israel
As tensions between Iran and Israel intensify, the Indian government has expanded Operation Sindhu to facilitate the evacuation of Indian citizens from Israel. Initially launched to rescue nationals stranded in Iran, the operation will now extend to Tel Aviv and other parts of Israel, where the situation remains volatile due to ongoing missile exchanges.
The Ministry of External Affairs has initiated coordination through the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv, urging all Indian nationals currently residing in Israel to register themselves for evacuation. A spokesperson for the ministry confirmed, “In view of the above, the embassy of India in Tel Aviv would be making arrangements for the evacuation of Indians.”
Evacuation Plan
Operation Sindhu began on June 18, with the first phase involving the successful evacuation of 110 Indian students from Iran via Armenia. With the conflict showing no signs of de-escalation, New Delhi has activated contingency plans for Israel, where nearly 38,000 Indian nationals are present. These include caregivers, construction workers, agricultural labourers, students, professionals, and businesspersons.
Under the extended plan, evacuation will involve a combination of land transport to neighboring safe zones, followed by special flights arranged to return evacuees to India. Emergency helplines and digital registration portals have been activated to streamline the process.
India-Israel
The decision comes amid a significant deterioration of security conditions in Israeli cities, following large-scale missile attacks from Iran. In light of these developments, India has moved quickly to ensure the safety of its diaspora by expanding the operational geography of its rescue mission.
The embassy in Tel Aviv is preparing logistics and working with local authorities to facilitate smooth movement, even as airspace and border conditions remain unpredictable. Officials have emphasized that the evacuation is voluntary and based on need, with a focus on those directly impacted or in high-risk zones.
Ongoing Response
The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad, calling Operation Sindhu an evolving response that will adapt based on ground realities. MEA officials have confirmed that additional flights and land routes will be made available in coordination with Israeli and neighboring country authorities.
Citizens in Israel are encouraged to stay connected with embassy updates and avoid non-essential travel until evacuation schedules are confirmed. The mission is being monitored at the highest levels in New Delhi, with continuous assessments of regional security dynamics.
As India navigates a complex and escalating Middle East conflict, Operation Sindhu stands as a symbol of its proactive diplomacy and commitment to safeguarding its people across international borders.
