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Operation Sindhu: First Batch of 110 Indians Evacuated
India’s Operation Sindhu has taken a major step forward with the safe arrival of the first evacuation flight carrying 110 Indian students who were stranded in war-torn Iran. The special rescue operation, mounted amidst escalating hostilities in the region, saw these citizens being first moved to Armenia before being flown to India.
The flight, operated under the Ministry of External Affairs’ coordination, landed in Delhi late Tuesday night. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed satisfaction at the success of the mission, posting on social media: “Op Sindhu – Flight AZ1985 from Armenia brings back the first batch of Indians from Iran. 110 students have landed in New Delhi.”
Jaishankar also reaffirmed that the government remains committed to the safety and swift return of all Indian nationals currently stranded in the conflict zone, adding: “Mission Yerevan and our team in MEA working in mission mode to ensure the safe return of all our citizens. No Indian will be left behind.”
Operation Sindhu
Launched as a humanitarian mission, Operation Sindhu was rolled out following intense shelling and airstrikes in Iran that endangered foreign nationals, including hundreds of Indian students and professionals. While details remain confidential for security reasons, sources confirm that a multi-step extraction plan was activated, with Armenia serving as a transit hub for those fleeing the volatile Iranian cities.
Indian Students in Iran
A large number of Indian students, particularly those enrolled in medical programs in Iranian universities, had been caught in the spiraling violence that disrupted daily life and cut off major transport routes. Parents back home had expressed growing anxiety as the conflict intensified, prompting urgent diplomatic measures.
Evacuation Flights Continue
More such rescue flights are expected in the coming days. The Indian Embassy in Tehran, along with consular officials stationed in Yerevan, is closely coordinating with local authorities and Indian airlines to facilitate phased evacuations. MEA officials confirmed that lists are being prepared on priority for vulnerable groups, including students, women, and elderly citizens.
The successful execution of the first phase has brought a sense of relief, but the Indian government remains vigilant amid reports of fresh hostilities erupting in multiple Iranian provinces. In parallel, Indian missions in neighboring countries have been activated for potential evacuation staging.
With Operation Sindhu gaining momentum, Delhi has sent a clear message: India will not hesitate to intervene diplomatically and logistically to protect its citizens, even in the heart of conflict zones.
