Chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Hindustan Zindabad” rang out at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport late Friday night as a special flight carrying 290 Indian nationals evacuated from Iran touched down safely under Operation Sindhu, India’s ongoing rescue mission amid the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.
The evacuees—comprising students, pilgrims, and other Indian nationals—expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian government for ensuring a swift and safe return from a region marred by mounting tensions.
Among the returnees was Tazkiya Fatima from Noida, who recounted the uncertainty they faced. “There’s a war-like situation there. We didn’t know how we’d get out, but the Indian government made the process smooth. I’m very thankful.”
Another evacuee, Eliya Batool, described the overwhelming relief upon returning: “We were at ease in Iran thanks to the Indian Embassy’s arrangements, but after reaching home, the peace is beyond words. Thank you so much.”
Maulana Mohammad Saeed Saeed commended the safe evacuation, while Sehrish Rafique, an MBBS student at Iran University of Medical Sciences, said, “At first, we didn’t think the situation would escalate this much. I didn’t expect the Indian Embassy to put in such effort for us. All Kashmiris are thankful.”
Mir Mohammad Musharraf, from Pulwama, added, “Operation Sindhu was a lifeline. We were stuck, our landlords left us, but the embassy ensured we got home. Thank you, India.”
The flight was received by Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs, who confirmed that of the 290 evacuees, 190 were from Jammu and Kashmir, with the rest from Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, West Bengal, and other states.
“Our friends in Iran facilitated the opening of airspace for this evacuation, showing the strength of Indo-Iran ties. The evacuees were visibly relieved and thankful. We will also begin evacuations from Israel very soon,” Chatterjee said.
Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson, shared an update on X: “Operation Sindhu flight brings citizens home. Evacuated 290 Indian nationals from Iran, including students and pilgrims, by a charter flight. The Government of India is grateful to the Government of Iran for facilitating the process.”
Many returnees offered special thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the MEA. Mehboob Ali Musharraf from Bijnor said, “Every moment felt like forever. I’m grateful we were brought home so quickly.” Another evacuee, Syed Mansur Hussain, shared, “Everyone bowed their heads the moment we landed. Thank you, PM Modi. I love India.”
The flight landed at 11:30 PM IST on June 20. This marked the third successful evacuation under Operation Sindhu, as India continues efforts to bring back citizens from conflict-hit regions in West Asia.
