UPDATE: India Evacuates 2,576 From Iran, Shuts Mashhad Contact Desk as Ceasefire Holds Tense

India’s Operation Sindhu has now evacuated 2,576 Indian nationals from conflict-hit Iran as regional tensions continue under a fragile ceasefire. The latest evacuation flight, carrying 281 Indian citizens along with 3 Sri Lankan and 2 Nepalese nationals, arrived in New Delhi from Mashhad on June 24 at 3:00 PM. Minister of State P. Margherita welcomed the returnees, confirmed External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Image Source: MEA/FM on X

In light of the announced ceasefire between Iran and Israel, the Indian Embassy in Iran has closed its emergency Contact Desk at Hotel Sadr in Mashhad, which had been assisting evacuees since the operation began.

The evacuation effort follows weeks of hostilities triggered by Israel’s June 13 strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, followed by retaliatory missile exchanges involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. 

U.S. President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire after what he termed the "12 Day War," though its stability remains uncertain.

Israel has accused Iran of violating the ceasefire by launching missiles hours after it took effect. Tehran denies any breach. 

Meanwhile, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have urged both sides to maintain restraint and fully honor the truce.

India continues monitoring the volatile regional situation to ensure the safety of its nationals.