Operation Sindhu: Over 4,400 Indians Evacuated From Iran, Israel In 19 Special Flights

Last Updated:June 27, 2025, 21:50 IST

Launched on June 18, the operation so far facilitated the safe return of 4,415 Indian nationals, 3,597 from Iran and 818 from Israel

A special flight from Mashhad, Iran, carrying 290 Indian students, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir, lands at the Delhi airport. (MEA/X)

The Government of India concluded the first phase of Operation Sindhu, evacuating over 4,400 Indian nationals from Iran and Israel, in a swift and coordinated response to escalating tensions in West Asia, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Launched on June 18, the operation so far facilitated the safe return of 4,415 Indian nationals—3,597 from Iran and 818 from Israel—through 19 special evacuation flights, including three IAF C-17 aircraft.

“This evacuation reflects the Government of India’s deep commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad," the MEA said in a statement issued on Friday.

“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance, Operation Sindhu is another demonstration of this commitment," it added.

The operation also extended support to foreign nationals, evacuating 14 OCI cardholders, 9 Nepali nationals, 4 Sri Lankan nationals, and one Iranian spouse of an Indian citizen. Among the Indian evacuees were over 1,500 women and 500 children.

In Iran, Indian missions in Tehran, Yerevan, and Ashgabat coordinated the evacuation through land border crossings to Armenia and Turkmenistan, with flights operating between June 18–26.

The bulk of these evacuations took place via Mashhad, after Iran reopened its airspace for Indian evacuation flights on June 20 at New Delhi’s request.

“We thank the Government of Iran for this gesture," the MEA added, noting that evacuees included students, workers, professionals, pilgrims, and fishermen from over 15 Indian states.

The Israel leg of the operation began on June 23, with Indian missions in Tel Aviv, Ramallah, Amman, and Cairo assisting nationals to cross into Jordan and Egypt.

From June 22–25, a total of 818 Indians were airlifted from Amman and Sharm al Sheikh, including via three IAF aircraft.

With regional airspace reopening, the Indian government halted evacuation operations on June 25, but said it would “take further action based on the evolving situation in West Asia."

The MEA extended gratitude to the governments of Iran, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Armenia, and Turkmenistan for their support, affirming that Indian missions will continue to stay engaged with both host governments and the Indian diaspora in the region.

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