New Delhi [India], June 21: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that 517 Indian nationals have safely returned from Iran as part of Operation Sindhu, launched in response to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
In a statement on social media platform X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced that a special evacuation flight from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, landed in New Delhi at 3:00 AM on Friday, carrying Indian evacuees from Iran.
“Operation Sindhu continues. A special evacuation flight from Ashgabat landed in New Delhi… With this, 517 Indian nationals have now returned home,” Jaiswal wrote.
The Indian government launched Operation Sindhu to bring back its citizens from conflict-hit areas in Iran. The Indian Embassy in Tehran worked closely with local authorities to facilitate the movement of citizens—especially students—to safer zones, while the MEA coordinated their flights back home.
Among the returnees was Zaffar Abbas Naqvi, who recounted how he and his family relocated from Tehran to Mashhad, only for that city to also come under attack. “We contacted the Indian government, and the response was swift. I want to thank PM Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath for making all the arrangements,” Naqvi said.
Another evacuee, Kulsum, said the situation in Iran was tense and the government’s assistance was a “lifesaver.”
“We were very worried. The government helped us a lot and brought us home safely,” she said.
Mohammad Ali Qazim, evacuated from Mashhad, added:
“We went for a religious journey, but the situation deteriorated, especially in Tehran. The Indian government helped us cross the border and return safely. The UP government is also supporting our journey back home.”
Earlier, the first group of evacuees—110 Indian students, including 90 from Kashmir—was moved from northern Iran to Armenia, and then flown to Delhi. Most were studying at Urmia Medical University.
The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, now in its ninth day, began on June 13 when Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion,” targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites. Iran retaliated with “Operation True Promise 3,” involving widespread drone and missile attacks aimed at Israeli energy and air force infrastructure.
Evacuations are continuing, with coordinated efforts between the Central Government, MEA, and State governments to ensure the safety and swift return of all Indian nationals.
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