25-JUN-2025,05:00 PM In a major diplomatic and humanitarian achievement, India has brought back an additional 282 of its citizens from Iran under the ongoing evacuation initiative titled “Operation Sindhu.” With this latest flight, the total number of repatriated Indians under the operation has reached 2,858, marking a significant milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens amid rising regional tensions.
Operation Sindhu: India’s Rapid Response to Regional Crisis
What is Operation Sindhu?
Operation Sindhu is a strategic evacuation mission initiated by the Government of India to rescue Indian nationals stranded in Iran due to the escalating tensions between Iran and Western powers, particularly the United States. As the situation in the Gulf region deteriorated, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in coordination with the Indian Navy and Air Force, launched this operation to safely bring back citizens facing uncertainty and potential danger.
Named after the historic Indus (Sindhu) River that symbolizes India’s civilizational ties to the region, the operation stands as a testament to India’s commitment to safeguarding its diaspora.
Timeline and Progress of the Operation
Since the launch of Operation Sindhu in early June 2025, Indian authorities have executed multiple coordinated missions involving naval vessels, special aircraft, and support from local embassies.
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The first batch of evacuees, numbering 450, returned to Mumbai on June 6.
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A series of follow-up flights and naval rescues brought back subsequent groups from Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, and other key Iranian ports and cities.
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The latest batch of 282 evacuees landed in Kochi on June 10 aboard an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft.
With the cumulative figure now standing at 2,858, Indian officials assert that nearly 90% of all registered citizens in the affected zones have been safely brought home.
Government Speaks on Operation Sindhu: Reassurance and Commitment
MEA, Defence Ministry Acknowledge Collaborative Effort
The Ministry of External Affairs released an official statement thanking the Iranian authorities for their cooperation and highlighting the role of the Indian Navy’s warships—INS Kolkata and INS Shivalik—which were deployed in international waters to facilitate safe sea passage.
“We remain committed to the safety and well-being of every Indian abroad. Operation Sindhu is another example of India’s proactive diplomacy and strong disaster response capabilities,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also took to social media to laud the military’s logistical role, stating that India’s armed forces stand prepared for any such national duty with honor and courage.
Prime Minister Modi Lauds the Operation’s Success
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed satisfaction over the operation’s smooth execution, praising the coordination between different arms of the government. He reiterated India’s “zero-compromise approach” when it comes to the lives of its citizens.
“Every Indian, no matter where in the world they are, can rest assured that their nation stands by them,” he stated in a tweet.
Human Side of Operation Sindhu: Stories of Relief and Gratitude
Reunions, Emotions, and Prayers Answered
Emotional scenes unfolded at airports across India, with family members embracing their loved ones. Many of the evacuees were students, laborers, and pilgrims who were either stranded due to closed borders or feared for their safety in an increasingly volatile environment.
Sana Iqbal, a 24-year-old medical student from Hyderabad, expressed gratitude upon landing:
“We were terrified, with missiles flying and alerts being issued daily. The Indian embassy kept us informed and calm, and now we’re home safely thanks to Operation Sindhu.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, applauding the swift action and support extended by Indian missions in Iran.
Health and Safety Protocols Followed Rigorously
In keeping with international evacuation standards, all returnees underwent medical screening and documentation verification. The Ministry of Health has ensured temporary quarantine facilities where required, along with counseling services for those who endured trauma.
India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and airport authorities facilitated smooth arrival procedures, making safety and dignity a top priority for every returnee.
Strategic and Diplomatic Implications of Operation Sindhu
Reinforcing India’s Global Citizen Service Reputation
With Operation Sindhu, India has once again demonstrated its capability and commitment to global evacuation operations, similar to past missions like Operation Ganga (Ukraine) and Operation Kaveri (Sudan). Such missions are instrumental in strengthening India’s image as a responsible regional and global power.
Analysts view the operation as not just a humanitarian effort, but a strong diplomatic message about India’s resolve and readiness. It also reinforces trust among overseas Indian communities about their government’s responsiveness.
Enhancing Bilateral Coordination with Iran
Despite geopolitical tensions, India managed to maintain effective coordination with Iran throughout the evacuation. This diplomatic nuance is crucial as both nations share energy interests, a deep-rooted cultural connection, and a significant Indian expatriate presence.
Iran’s foreign ministry welcomed India’s efforts and confirmed that local law enforcement and port authorities extended full support during the process.
What’s Next for Operation Sindhu?
Final Phases and Focus on the Last Mile
According to MEA sources, around 400–500 Indian citizens are still located in remote parts of Iran or are awaiting travel documents. The government has deployed additional consular staff to expedite visa issues, conduct verification, and organize onward travel for these individuals.
Indian Navy vessels continue to patrol the Gulf waters, ready to respond to any emergency. Meanwhile, Air India and Indian Air Force aircraft remain on standby for future evacuation runs.
India’s Evacuation Infrastructure Grows Stronger
Operation Sindhu highlights the increasing synergy between India’s diplomatic corps, military, civil aviation sector, and humanitarian agencies. Each successful operation contributes to a growing institutional framework for crisis response and overseas citizen protection.
Conclusion: Operation Sindhu a Beacon of India’s Humanitarian Strength
Operation Sindhu not only underscores India’s logistical strength and swift crisis response but also reflects the government’s unwavering dedication to the welfare of its citizens across the globe. With nearly 3,000 lives secured so far and more on the way, this mission is a testament to India’s evolving global stature—where strategic clarity meets compassionate governance.
As the final leg of the operation approaches, one thing is clear: India leaves no citizen behind.
Source : ANI
