India Expands Operation Sindhu to Israel, IAF Evacuates 161 Indians via Jordan

India has expanded its Operation Sindhu evacuation mission to include nationals stranded in Israel as the regional conflict continues to intensify. 

On June 23, the first group of 161 Indian nationals evacuated from Israel via Jordan safely arrived in New Delhi at 8:20 AM. 

Minister of State P. Margherita welcomed the returnees at the airport, according to External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Image Source: IAF

Continuing the mission, an Indian Air Force C-17 flight evacuated an additional 165 Indian nationals from Israel, landing in Delhi at 8:45 AM on June 24. 

Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan received the evacuees upon arrival. 

The IAF confirmed that its aircraft have also been deployed to evacuate Indian nationals and citizens of friendly countries from other conflict zones in the region, including missions launched from Jordan and Egypt.

The expansion of Operation Sindhu comes as Iran, Israel, and the United States remain locked in a cycle of escalating military strikes. 

Iran’s missile and drone attacks followed Israeli airstrikes on June 13 targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, with the U.S. joining the conflict days later by bombing key Iranian sites.

Despite sporadic diplomatic efforts, including U.S. President Trump’s recent ceasefire claim, missile exchanges have continued. 

India remains actively engaged in diplomatic channels while prioritizing the safety of its citizens in the region.