UPDATE: Operation Sindhu: 2,295 Indians Evacuated from Iran as Conflict Intensifies

India’s Operation Sindhu has now evacuated 2,295 nationals from conflict-hit Iran, as military hostilities involving Iran, Israel, and the United States continue to escalate. 

The latest evacuation flight, carrying 292 Indian citizens from Mashhad, arrived in New Delhi at 3:30 AM on June 24, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed.

Launched in response to the rapidly deteriorating security situation, Operation Sindhu was activated after U.S. airstrikes targeted Iran’s key underground nuclear facilities — Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan — following Israel’s initial military offensive on June 13. 

Image Source: MEA/FM on X

These developments raised global fears of a wider conflict, drawing sharp international reactions, including Russia’s warnings of potential global destabilization.

In coordination with Tehran, Indian authorities had preemptively relocated many of its nationals, mostly students, to safer cities like Qom and Mashhad to facilitate safe evacuations. Initially, an estimated 10,000 Indians were present in Iran at the onset of the crisis.

The first evacuation flights began late Friday, quickly scaling up over subsequent days with multiple airlifts. Diplomatically, India continues high-level engagement to support regional de-escalation. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently discussed the crisis with Iran’s President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, reiterating India’s call for immediate restraint and dialogue.

Operation Sindhu remains active, with further flights scheduled to ensure the safe return of remaining Indian nationals amid ongoing conflict.