As the Iran-Israel conflict escalates, India has launched Operation Sindhu—a large-scale evacuation mission to bring home its citizens stranded in the war-affected region. More than 500 Indians have been successfully evacuated from Iran so far, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The operation began on Wednesday after it became evident that tensions in West Asia would not de-escalate soon. Prioritizing the safety of Indian nationals, the government acted swiftly to initiate coordinated evacuation efforts.

Indian Embassy Issues Emergency Advisory
On Saturday, the Indian Embassy in Tehran posted an urgent advisory on X (formerly Twitter), urging Indian citizens in Iran to reach out via emergency contact numbers or join designated Telegram channels to facilitate their evacuation.

“This operation is open to all Indian citizens in Iran who wish to return, given the current volatile situation,” the embassy stated.

Extending a Helping Hand to Sri Lanka and Nepal
In a humanitarian gesture, the Government of India is also assisting in evacuating citizens of Sri Lanka and Nepal upon the request of their respective governments. The Indian Embassy has invited nationals of both countries to register via its communication channels.

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed from Colombo that arrangements have been made in collaboration with India to help their nationals. Fewer than 100 Sri Lankans are currently in Iran, while an estimated 20,000 Sri Lankans remain in Israel.

Operation Sindhu: A Humanitarian Priority
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Operation Sindhu is being conducted in coordination with the Indian Air Force and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It is described as a purely humanitarian effort aimed at ensuring the safety and swift return of Indian citizens from the conflict zone.

“The Government of India is committed to the safety and welfare of every Indian. Over 500 have been brought back safely under Operation Sindhu so far,” said an MEA spokesperson. “If needed, the operation will be expanded.”

Crisis Response at Global Level
As the Iran-Israel confrontation disrupts regional stability, India’s rapid response through Operation Sindhu is being viewed as a decisive and compassionate step—reflecting the government's readiness to stand by its citizens and support neighboring countries in times of geopolitical crisis.