Key Takeaways
• 517 Indian nationals evacuated from Iran as of June 21, 2025, under Operation Sindhu.
• Operation Sindhu expanded to assist Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens stranded in Iran.
• The latest evacuation flight landed in New Delhi at 3:00 AM from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
As of June 21, 2025, the Indian government’s Operation Sindhu has safely evacuated 517 Indian nationals from Iran, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This ongoing mission comes in response to the sharp rise in tensions between Iran and Israel, which has put thousands of foreign nationals, including many Indians, at risk. The latest evacuation flight, carrying Indian citizens from Iran, landed in New Delhi at 3:00 AM after departing from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The operation has also expanded to help Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens, reflecting India’s growing humanitarian role in the region.
What Is Operation Sindhu and Why Was It Launched?
Operation Sindhu is a large-scale evacuation effort led by the Indian government to bring home Indian nationals stranded in Iran. The mission began after the security situation in Iran worsened due to Israel’s Operation Rising Lion and Iran’s subsequent retaliatory actions. Many Indian citizens in Iran, including students and workers, found themselves in dangerous conditions as the conflict escalated.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) quickly responded by launching Operation Sindhu. The Indian Embassy in Tehran started working around the clock to identify, register, and safely evacuate Indian nationals. The operation’s name, “Sindhu,” refers to the Indus River, symbolizing a lifeline and safe passage for those in need.
How Many Have Been Evacuated So Far?
As of June 21, 2025, 517 Indian nationals have been brought back to India under Operation Sindhu. The most recent flight arrived in New Delhi at 3:00 AM, carrying evacuees from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Just a day earlier, on June 20, a special flight brought back 290 Indian students from Mashhad, Iran, after Tehran reopened its airspace. Many of these students were from Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian government has announced that more flights are planned, with the goal of bringing home about 1,000 Indian nationals in total. This shows the scale and urgency of the operation.
Who Is Coordinating the Evacuation?
The operation is being led by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal providing regular updates. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is handling on-the-ground coordination, helping stranded nationals with registration, safe accommodation, and travel arrangements. The embassy has set up emergency contact numbers and is using platforms like Telegram to keep in touch with those needing help.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top officials have been recognized by evacuees for their quick and decisive action. The MEA is also working closely with the governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka, after both countries formally asked India to help evacuate their citizens from Iran.
Step-by-Step: How Does the Evacuation Work?
Operation Sindhu follows a clear, step-by-step process to ensure the safety and smooth return of Indian nationals:
- Identification and Registration:
- Indian nationals in Iran are told to contact the Indian Embassy using special emergency phone numbers or Telegram.
- Embassy staff collect details and register those who want to be evacuated.
- Safe Accommodation:
- The embassy arranges safe places for evacuees to stay while waiting for flights.
- Security is provided to keep everyone safe from possible threats.
- Flight Coordination:
- Evacuation flights are organized from Iranian cities like Mashhad to nearby countries, such as Turkmenistan (Ashgabat).
- From there, special flights bring evacuees back to India.
- Return and Reception:
- Evacuees land at Indian airports, such as Delhi, where they are welcomed and given further help if needed.
This process is designed to keep everyone safe and informed at every step.
Why Is Operation Sindhu Important?
The operation is vital for several reasons:
- Protecting Lives:
The main goal is to keep Indian nationals safe from the dangers of conflict in Iran. Many are students or workers who could not leave on their own. -
Humanitarian Outreach:
By also helping Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens, India is showing its commitment to helping neighbors in times of crisis. -
Diplomatic Strength:
The operation highlights India’s ability to act quickly and work with other countries, even during complex international crises. -
Consular Support:
Evacuees have praised the Indian Embassy for providing safe accommodation, food, and clear information throughout the process.
Who Else Is Being Helped?
Operation Sindhu has expanded to include Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens stranded in Iran. This happened after the governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka formally asked India for help. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is now assisting these nationals alongside Indian citizens, making sure everyone gets the support they need.
This move shows India’s growing role as a regional leader and a reliable partner in times of trouble. It also strengthens diplomatic ties with neighboring countries.
What Are the Latest Numbers and Key Dates?
Here are the most important numbers and dates so far:
- 517 Indian nationals evacuated as of June 21, 2025.
- 290 Indian students evacuated from Mashhad, Iran, on June 20, 2025.
- Latest evacuation flight landed in New Delhi at 3:00 AM on June 21, 2025, from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
- The government aims to bring home about 1,000 Indian nationals in total.
- Emergency contact numbers for assistance:
- +989010144557
- +989128109115
- +989128109109
What Do Evacuees and Stakeholders Say?
Evacuees have shared their relief and gratitude for the Indian government’s quick action. Many thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Embassy for making them feel safe and cared for during a very stressful time. Students from Jammu and Kashmir, in particular, expressed thanks for being brought home from Mashhad.
The governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka have also thanked India for helping their citizens. This cooperation has been seen as a sign of strong regional friendship.
Indian officials, including MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, have promised that Operation Sindhu will continue until all Indian nationals are safely back home.
What Challenges Has the Operation Faced?
Operation Sindhu has not been easy. Some of the main challenges include:
- Security Risks:
The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel means that the situation on the ground can change quickly, making it hard to plan safe routes. -
Airspace Closures:
At times, Iran’s airspace has been closed, delaying flights and forcing the embassy to find new ways to get people out. -
Coordination with Multiple Countries:
The operation involves working with Iran, Turkmenistan, and other countries to arrange flights and get the necessary permissions. -
Large Number of People:
With hundreds of people needing help, embassy staff have had to work long hours to make sure everyone is registered, housed, and evacuated safely.
Despite these challenges, the operation has moved quickly and effectively, thanks to strong planning and teamwork.
How Does Operation Sindhu Compare to Past Evacuations?
India has a long history of evacuating its citizens from conflict zones. Past operations include:
- Operation Rahat (2015): Evacuated Indians from Yemen during civil war.
- Operation Ganga (2022): Brought back Indian students from Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Vande Bharat Mission (2020): Repatriated Indians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Operation Sindhu stands out because of its speed, the number of people involved, and the inclusion of citizens from neighboring countries. It shows how India’s evacuation missions have become more complex and far-reaching over time.
What Are the Broader Implications?
Operation Sindhu has several important effects:
- For Indian Nationals:
It provides a lifeline for those caught in dangerous situations abroad, giving them hope and a way home. -
For the Indian Government:
The operation boosts India’s reputation as a country that takes care of its people, no matter where they are. -
For Regional Diplomacy:
By helping Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens, India is building stronger ties with its neighbors and showing leadership in the region. -
For Future Crises:
The experience gained from Operation Sindhu will help India respond even better to future emergencies.
What Should Indian Nationals in Iran Do Now?
If you are an Indian national in Iran and need help, here’s what you should do:
- Contact the Indian Embassy in Tehran using the emergency numbers listed above.
- Register your details with embassy staff so they can include you in evacuation plans.
- Follow embassy instructions about where to go and what to do while waiting for evacuation.
- Stay in touch with embassy updates on social media and Telegram.
For official updates and more information, you can visit the Ministry of External Affairs website.
What’s Next for Operation Sindhu?
The operation is still ongoing. More flights are planned in the coming days to bring back the remaining Indian nationals from Iran. The Indian Embassy in Tehran and the MEA will keep emergency contact lines open and continue to provide support until everyone is safely home.
There is also a strong chance that Operation Sindhu will keep helping Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens until their evacuation is complete. The Indian government has made it clear that the safety of its citizens and regional neighbors is a top priority.
Expert Views on Operation Sindhu
Experts in international relations and crisis management see Operation Sindhu as a major achievement for India. The operation shows:
- Quick Decision-Making:
The government acted fast to launch the mission and arrange flights, even as the situation in Iran changed rapidly. -
Strong Coordination:
The MEA, Indian Embassy, and other agencies worked together smoothly, showing India’s ability to handle complex emergencies. -
Regional Leadership:
By helping citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka, India is showing that it can be a leader in South Asia during times of crisis.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Operation Sindhu is a clear example of how India’s evacuation missions have grown in scale and complexity, reflecting the country’s rising global profile.
How Can Families in India Get Information?
Families of Indian nationals in Iran can:
- Call the emergency numbers provided by the Indian Embassy in Tehran.
- Check official MEA updates on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shares the latest news.
- Visit the Ministry of External Affairs website for official statements and guidance.
Conclusion: Operation Sindhu’s Lasting Impact
Operation Sindhu has already saved hundreds of lives and brought relief to families across India. The mission’s success so far is a result of quick action, strong planning, and close cooperation between the Indian government, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian Embassy in Tehran.
By expanding the operation to help Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens, India has shown its commitment to humanitarian values and regional friendship. The experience gained from Operation Sindhu will help India respond even better to future crises, both at home and abroad.
For Indian nationals still in Iran, the message is clear: help is on the way, and the government will not stop until everyone is safely home. For the region, Operation Sindhu stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when countries work together in times of need.
If you or someone you know needs help, don’t wait—contact the Indian Embassy in Tehran right away using the emergency numbers provided. Stay informed, stay safe, and trust that Operation Sindhu will continue until every Indian national, and those from neighboring countries who need help, are safely back with their families.
Learn Today
Operation Sindhu → An Indian government mission to evacuate nationals stranded in Iran amid rising conflict.
Ministry of External Affairs → Indian government department overseeing foreign affairs and coordinating evacuations abroad.
Evacuation Flight → Specially organized flight to safely transport stranded nationals back to India.
Telegram → A messaging platform used by the Indian Embassy for emergency communication with evacuees.
Ashgabat → Capital of Turkmenistan, key transit point for evacuation flights from Iran to India.
This Article in a Nutshell
Operation Sindhu has evacuated 517 Indians from Iran amid rising Iran-Israel tensions, expanding to help Nepalese and Sri Lankans. Coordinated by India’s MEA, the mission ensures safe accommodation, registration, and flights. This humanitarian effort highlights India’s growing regional leadership and quick crisis response during complex emergencies.
— By VisaVerge.com
