India's Lifeline: First Flight of 'Operation Sindhu' Brings Home 110 Students from War-Torn Iran

A wave of relief swept across many Indian households this morning as the first flight under 'Operation Sindhu' touched down in New Delhi. On board were 110 Indian students, their faces etched with the lingering echoes of conflict but now beaming with the joy of returning home. These young individuals were safely evacuated from war-hit Iran, a remarkable feat facilitated by a carefully coordinated mission that saw them transit through Armenia.

As tensions between Iran and Israel continue to simmer, India swiftly launched 'Operation Sindhu' – a dedicated initiative aimed at safeguarding and repatriating its citizens caught in the precarious region. The successful arrival of this inaugural flight underscores India's unwavering commitment to the safety of its diaspora abroad.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the meticulous planning behind this evacuation. "Indian students in Tehran have been moved out of the city for safety reasons through arrangements made by the Indian Embassy," a statement from the ministry read, highlighting the proactive steps taken by diplomatic channels on the ground.

These students embarked on their journey home from Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, Armenia, yesterday afternoon, at 2:55 PM IST on June 18th. Their arrival in Delhi in the early hours of June 19th brought a much-anticipated end to their ordeal.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal took to social media to announce the commencement of this crucial operation, stating, "Operation Sindhu begins. India launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran. India evacuated 110 students from northern Iran who crossed into Armenia under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia on 17th June. They departed from Yerevan on a special flight and will arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of 19th June 2025. India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of her nationals abroad." His words resonated with the sentiments of anxious families and a nation proud of its responsive foreign policy.

Indian authorities extended their sincere gratitude to both the Iranian and Armenian governments for their invaluable support and cooperation throughout the evacuation process, a testament to the power of international collaboration in times of crisis.

The MEA's official release further elaborated that the Indian Embassy in Iran has been tirelessly working to relocate numerous Indian nationals from conflict-affected zones to safer locations within Iran, simultaneously arranging their subsequent evacuation through all viable options.

In a clear message, the ministry reiterated its steadfast dedication to protecting Indian citizens overseas. They urged any Indian nationals still remaining in Iran to maintain continuous contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and the MEA's dedicated 24x7 Control Room in New Delhi.

For those in need, emergency contact details remain active:

Embassy of India in Tehran:

Call only: +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109

WhatsApp: +98 901044557, +98 9015993320, +91 8086871709

Regional Contacts: Bandar Abbas: +98 9177699036, Zahedan: +98 9396356649

Email: [email protected]

24x7 Control Room, MEA, New Delhi:

Toll-free: 800118797

Landlines: +91-11-23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905

WhatsApp: +91-9968291988

Email: [email protected]

As the situation evolves, additional phases of 'Operation Sindhu' are expected to be carried out, ensuring that every Indian national who wishes to return home is given the opportunity to do so. The successful completion of this initial phase brings a glimmer of hope amidst the challenging geopolitical landscape, showcasing India's unwavering commitment to its citizens.