The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that 517 Indian nationals have been safely brought back from Iran under the ongoing Operation Sindhu, launched by the Government of India in response to the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that a special evacuation flight from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, landed in New Delhi at 3:00 AM on June 21, bringing back more Indian nationals from Iran.
“Operation Sindhu continues. A special evacuation flight from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, landed in New Delhi at 0300 hrs on 21st June, bringing Indians from Iran home. With this, so far 517 Indian nationals from Iran have returned under Operation Sindhu,” Jaiswal posted on X.
The Indian government launched the evacuation initiative as part of its commitment to ensure the safety of citizens in conflict-hit regions. The Indian Embassy in Tehran coordinated ground efforts, while the MEA oversaw logistics for their return.
Several evacuees shared emotional accounts of their ordeal:
- Zaffar Abbas Naqvi, who fled from Mashhad, said:
“The action was so swift that we cannot express our gratitude in words. I thank Modi ji and Yogi ji who made all the arrangements for us.” - Kulsum, another evacuee, described the situation in Iran as “worrisome” and credited the Indian government for their timely support.
- Mohammad Ali Qazim, who had gone to Iran for a religious pilgrimage, stated: “The Indian and UP governments helped us tremendously. The situation, especially in Tehran, was very tense.”
Earlier, 110 Indian students, including 90 from Kashmir studying at Urmia Medical University, were the first to be rescued. They were transported to Armenia before being flown to New Delhi.
The evacuation comes amid a rapidly escalating military confrontation. On June 13, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a large-scale airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites. Iran retaliated with ‘Operation True Promise 3’, targeting Israeli energy and military infrastructure with drones and missiles.
As the Israel-Iran conflict enters its ninth day, Operation Sindhu continues to bring relief to anxious families back home, with coordinated efforts from both Central and State governments ensuring the safe return of every Indian in danger.
