Amid rising tensions due to Israel Iran war, India has launched Operation Sidhu, to evacuate Indian Nationals in Iran to safety. Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted attack on Iranian nuclear sites, greatly damaging the country and the people living in it. It has created a volatile environment in Iran. India’s Ministry of External Affairs therefore swung into activity swiftly.
India prioritized the safety of its estimated 4,000 nationals in Iran, half of whom are students, many from Jammu and Kashmir studying medicine. The students, primarily from northern Iran, were transported overland to the capital of Armenia, Yerevan, under the supervision of Indian embassies in both nations. Minister K.V. Singh received the evacuees at Delhi’s airport.
The first phase of the mission successfully evacuated 110 Indian students, who landed safely in New Delhi. Operation Sindhu like the previous Operation Ganga of 2022 that rescued students from Ukraine, now operates a 24/7 control room and emergency helplines to coordinate efforts. Embassies have issued advisories urging citizens to avoid travel unless extremely necessary. Evacuated students praised the government’s swift action. However, some have expressed anxiety over relatives still stranded. Reports of minor injuries among Indian students in a dormitory strike in Tehran has ssurfaced.
India’s focus remains on scaling up efforts to ensure the safe return of all its nationals. Iran has been cooperative in facilitating Operation Sindhu.
