Operation Sindhu: India Evacuates Citizens, Including 290 J&K Students, from Iran Amid Middle East Tensions

India has intensified its evacuation efforts under Operation Sindhu, successfully bringing back hundreds of its citizens, including 290 students from Jammu and Kashmir, from Iran as the Iran-Israel conflict escalates. The operation, coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), underscores India’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its nationals amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The evacuees, primarily students pursuing medical and other academic programs in Iran, were airlifted to New Delhi on special flights arranged by the Indian government. The latest batch, which landed late Thursday, included 290 students from Jammu and Kashmir, who expressed relief upon returning home. “We were worried about our safety as the situation worsened. We’re grateful to the government for bringing us back,” said Ayesha Khan, a medical student from Srinagar.

The Iran-Israel conflict, marked by recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and reported Israeli ceasefire violations, has heightened fears of a broader regional escalation. The Indian embassy in Tehran, working closely with Iranian authorities, has been facilitating the safe exit of Indian citizens, including pilgrims, workers, and students. The MEA has deployed additional staff to manage the operation, with helplines and temporary shelters provided for those awaiting evacuation.

“Operation Sindhu reflects India’s proactive approach to safeguarding its citizens abroad,” said an MEA spokesperson. “We are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to bring back our nationals as needed.” The ministry has also advised Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran and other conflict-affected areas in the region.

The evacuation has been a logistical challenge, with flights navigating complex airspace restrictions and heightened security concerns. The Indian Air Force and commercial carriers like Air India have been mobilized to support the effort. Families of the evacuees, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, have lauded the government’s swift response. “We were anxious every day, but seeing our son back home is a huge relief,” said Mohammad Yusuf, a parent from Anantnag.

As the Middle East remains volatile, India continues to prioritize the safety of its diaspora. Operation Sindhu stands as a testament to the country’s robust crisis response mechanism, with further evacuation flights planned in the coming days to ensure no Indian citizen is left stranded.