GoI launches ‘Operation Sindhu’ to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran

Srinagar, Jun 18: In the ongoing war between Iran and Israel, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of Government of India Wednesday launched ‘Operation Sindhu’ to evacuate the stranded Indian nationals.
In an official statement, the GoI said, “In view of the deteriorating situation as a result of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the Government of India has been taking various steps over the last several days for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran.”
“As a first step, the Indian Embassy has evacuated 110 Indian students from northern Iran, assisting them in safely crossing over into Armenia on 17th June 2025. The students have travelled by road to the Armenian capital, Yerevan, under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia,” it reads.
It also said that these students departed Yerevan on a special flight on June-18-2025 and will arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of June-19-2025 as part of the initial stages of Operation Sindhu.”
The GoI appreciated the Governments of Iran and Armenia for the smooth facilitation of the evacuation process.
“India accords highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad. As part of the ongoing operation, the Indian Embassy in Iran has been assisting large numbers of Indian nationals in moving from areas seeing increased hostilities to relatively safer areas within the country and to subsequently evacuate them using the available and feasible options,” it reads.
In a statement, the GoI advised the Indian nationals to stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Tehran through its emergency helpline, and with the 24×7 Control Room established by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.
Accordingly, the GoI issued emergency helpline numbers of Embassy of India in Tehran: For call: +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109, For WhatsApp: +98 901044557, +98 9015993320, +91 8086871709, Bandar Abbas: +98 9177699036, Zahedan: +98 9396356649 and Email- [email protected]
Helpline numbers of 24 X 7 Control Room set-up by Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi: 800118797 (Toll free), +91-11-23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905, WhatsApp: +91-9968291988; Email- [email protected].
Pertinently, at least 90 students of Kashmir studying in Iran Tuesday evening reached the capital city, Yerevan in Armenia and boarded a flight to New Delhi on Wednesday.
Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) said, “At least 90 students of Kashmir studying in Iran safely crossed the border into Armenia on Tuesday and boarded a flight on Wednesday to India.”
JKSA further said that besides Kashmiri students, nearly 20 other students from other states have also reached Yerevan.
“All the Indian students who had crossed the Iran-Armenia border have now safely reached the capital city, Yerevan. This includes around 90 students from Kashmir Valley, along with others from various Indian states, making a total of approximately 110 students from Urmia Medical University,” JKSA said. (KNO)