Operation Sindhu: A Lifeline for Indian Nationals
As the Iran-Israel conflict escalates into its eighth day, the safety of civilians—especially foreign nationals—has become a pressing concern. In a rare diplomatic gesture, Iran has agreed to open its airspace to facilitate the evacuation of approximately 1,000 Indian students stranded in the conflict zone. This move, executed under India’s Operation Sindhu, underscores the importance of swift international cooperation and crisis management for the safety of Indian nationals abroad. The article explores the details of the evacuation, the challenges faced by students, and the broader geopolitical implications.
India launched Operation Sindhu on June 18, 2025, to evacuate its citizens from Iran amid escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel. The operation has already seen the successful return of 110 Indian students—mostly from Jammu and Kashmir—who were evacuated from northern Iran to Armenia by road and then flown to India via special flights. The latest phase involves the evacuation of about 1,000 Indian nationals, primarily students, who have been relocated from Tehran to safer cities like Qom and Mashhad in anticipation of further violence
Special Airspace Access: A Diplomatic Feat
Iran’s airspace has remained largely closed to international flights due to ongoing missile exchanges and drone attacks involving Israel. However, in a significant exception, Iranian authorities have granted India exclusive access to operate emergency evacuation flights. Three charter flights operated by Iran’s Mahan Air are scheduled to transport the stranded students from Mashhad to New Delhi. The first flight is expected to arrive in Delhi late Friday night, with two more following on Saturday.
Mohammad Javad Hosseini, Iran’s Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi, emphasized the special nature of this arrangement, stating, “Iran’s airspace is closed, but because of this issue, we are making arrangements to open it for the safe passage of Indian nationals.” He also reassured that more flights could be arranged if needed and that all Indians in Iran are currently safe.
Student Experiences: Fear, Uncertainty, and Relief
For Indian students in Iran, the past week has been marked by fear and uncertainty. Many have been sheltering in basements, with limited communication and constant anxiety about their safety. “We are scared. We have been calling for help but nothing is happening,” said Mehreen Zaffar, a medical student at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Others have described the situation as “critical,” with some students sustaining injuries during recent Israeli airstrikes on student dormitories in Tehran.
Despite these challenges, the swift action by Indian authorities has been a source of relief. Sheikh Afsa, one of the students evacuated earlier, praised the government’s efforts: “The government literally evacuated us from our dormitory, from our doors; we didn’t even expect this much. They helped us at every step; no one faced any problem, and we are grateful to the central government for the role they played in evacuating us.”
Broader Evacuation Efforts and Coordination
Operation Sindhu is not limited to Iran. India is also facilitating the evacuation of its nationals from Israel, where airspace restrictions have forced the use of land borders for initial movement, followed by flights to India. The Ministry of External Affairs has established 24×7 control rooms and emergency helplines to assist citizens in both countries, ensuring continuous communication and support throughout the crisis.
Geopolitical Context and Diplomatic Nuances
The Iran-Israel conflict presents a complex challenge for India, which maintains amicable relations with both countries. India has sought to balance its diplomatic ties, urging both sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy while prioritizing the safety of its citizens. Iranian officials have expressed appreciation for India’s balanced stance but have also called for stronger condemnation of Israeli actions, framing the issue as a matter of international law and sovereignty.
Looking Ahead
As the situation in the region remains volatile, India’s evacuation efforts serve as a testament to its commitment to the welfare of its citizens overseas. The successful coordination between Indian and Iranian authorities highlights the importance of international cooperation in times of crisis. With more than 10,000 Indians estimated to be in Iran, the government remains prepared to continue evacuation operations if the need arises.