275 Citizens Repatriated from Iran Under Operation Sindhu; Total Evacuations Cross 3,400
New Delhi, June 25, 2025 — In a major success under Operation Sindhu, 275 people — including 272 Indian nationals and three Nepalese citizens — landed safely in New Delhi on Thursday after being evacuated from Mashhad, Iran, amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The operation, led by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), has now facilitated the safe return of 3,426 citizens from Iran alone, as tensions in the region continue to threaten the safety of foreign nationals.
Evacuees Express Deep Gratitude
Emotions ran high as relieved evacuees stepped onto Indian soil, many holding back tears and expressing heartfelt appreciation for the Indian government and the Embassy in Iran.
"We were in Mashhad. Five members of my family, including me, are very grateful to the Indian Embassy and the Government of India for bringing us home safely. They did not leave us orphaned in a foreign country," one evacuee told IANS.
Recalling the challenges faced during the evacuation, he said,
"A few people went missing, so the embassy officials even waited for two hours and searched for the missing. There is no one like our Indian government."
Another returnee shared,
"I sincerely thank the Government of India and our Embassy. Ever since the war started in Tehran, they’ve been constantly in touch, guiding us on the current situation and what steps to take."
MEA Confirms Progress, Wrap-Up Nearing in Iran
The MEA confirmed the latest evacuation in an official statement, adding that the Iran leg of Operation Sindhu is nearing completion, with most citizens in affected zones now safely back.
Just a day earlier, on Wednesday, another evacuation flight brought back 296 Indians and 4 Nepalese nationals from the same region.
What is Operation Sindhu?
Launched earlier this year amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Operation Sindhu is India’s comprehensive evacuation mission aimed at bringing back Indian citizens stranded in conflict zones, particularly Iran, Iraq, and parts of Syria.
- Mashhad and Tehran have been focal points of evacuation in Iran.
- The mission is being coordinated by the MEA, with strong logistical support from the Indian Air Force, Air India, and local embassies.
Context: Escalating Middle East Crisis
- Iran has witnessed intensified conflict following regional instability, causing hundreds of Indians and other foreign nationals to get stranded.
- With airspace disruptions, transportation blocks, and safety concerns, evacuation became a critical humanitarian priority.
- India has maintained close diplomatic coordination with regional partners to ensure safe passage for its nationals.
Voices from the Ground
Evacuees praised the efficiency, empathy, and commitment of the Indian Embassy in Iran:
- “They stood by us and didn’t forget us, even when the situation was volatile,” one said.
- “I stand here with a heart full of gratitude and respect,” said another.
- “This level of care and responsiveness is unmatched,” a returnee added.
The evacuees included families, professionals, and students who had been residing in Mashhad and surrounding areas when the crisis erupted.
What Lies Ahead?
With the Mashhad evacuation nearly complete, Indian authorities are now:
- Assessing residual citizen presence in conflict-prone zones
- Coordinating similar efforts in other high-risk countries
- Monitoring flight availability and security clearances for safe future movement
The MEA continues to advise Indian citizens abroad to register with embassies and follow official alerts regarding travel and safety.
As India continues its large-scale repatriation under Operation Sindhu, the latest successful return of 275 individuals reaffirms the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad. In the face of uncertainty, the operation stands as a symbol of India's global humanitarian responsibility and logistical strength.