Operation Sindhu, being run by the Government of India, is no longer limited to Indian citizens only. Under this humanitarian mission, citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka will also be evacuated safely from Iran. This decision was taken when the governments of both these countries appealed to India for help. With this step, India has once again strongly demonstrated its sense of sympathy and cooperation for its neighboring countries on the global stage.
India’s readiness amid the Iran-Israel war
The ongoing military conflict between Iran and Israel has put the entire Western Asia region in crisis. In such a situation, the Government of India immediately responded and started Operation Sindhu, through which so far more than 517 Indian citizens have been brought safely to India. These include a large number of students, workers, and religious travelers.
Evacuation of citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka also
The Indian Embassy in Iran informed that, on the request of the governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka, the citizens of these countries will also be evacuated under Operation Sindhu.
“On the request of the governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka, the citizens of these two countries will also be evacuated under Operation Sindhu being run in Iran,” the Indian Embassy shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Emergency Contact and Telegram Assistance
The Government of India has also issued special emergency helpline numbers for citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka:
+98-9010144557
+98-9128109115
+98-9128109109
⚠️
— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) June 21, 2025
On request of the Governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka, the Indian Embassy’s evacuation efforts in Iran will also cover Citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka. https://t.co/eHIOhmNN7M
Along with this, immediate assistance is also being provided to the people stranded in Iran through a Telegram channel, so that they can easily share information about their location and condition.
Evacuation operations through charter flights
Charter flights are being operated for the evacuation of Indian citizens. So far hundreds of people have been brought from Iran to Delhi through these flights. The most recent flight arrived in Delhi on June 20 at 11:30 pm, carrying 290 Indian citizens. All of them were students and religious pilgrims.
Evacuation underway from Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) too
In another important update, the Indian government also evacuated its citizens who had fled from Iran to Turkmenistan. A special flight arrived in Delhi from Ashgabat at 3:00 am on 21 June, carrying Indian citizens who had fled Iran.
Mission monitored by MEA and senior officials
The entire mission is being monitored by CPV & OIA Secretary Arun Chatterjee of the Ministry of External Affairs. He welcomed the passengers at the airport and assured them that no citizen would be left behind.
#OperationSindhu flight brings citizens home.
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 20, 2025
🇮🇳 evacuated 290 Indian nationals from Iran, including students and religious pilgrims by a charter flight. The flight arrived in New Delhi at 2330 hrs on 20 June and was received by Secretary (CPV& OIA) Arun Chatterjee.
Government… pic.twitter.com/ZORq0aeza5
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the government’s efforts through his social media post and also expressed gratitude to the Government of Iran, which provided support for the evacuation.
A glimpse of a humanitarian approach in India’s foreign policy
This move of India is not just an evacuation operation, but it is also proof of its ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ thinking. Helping the citizens of neighboring countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka is a reflection of India’s leadership, diplomacy, and responsibility.
Operation Sindhu: Major achievements so far
| Date | Major activity |
| ———– | ————————————————— |
| 19 June 2025 | Operation Sindhu started |
| 20 June 2025 | 290 citizens brought to Delhi by charter flight |
| 21 June 2025 | Evacuation flight from Ashgabat reaches Delhi |
| 22 June 2025 | Total 517 Indian citizens confirmed safe return |
Guidelines for citizens stranded in Iran
Indian, Nepalese, and Sri Lankan citizens in Iran are urged to contact the Embassy immediately. They should follow the following instructions:
Join the Telegram channel
Share scanned copies of the passport and visa
Provide accurate current location information
Keep in touch with emergency numbers by calling or messaging
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Plans for Operation Sindhu
The Indian government plans to operate as many charter flights as possible in the next few days. Apart from this, evacuation operations can also be carried out from Iraq, Syria, or other bordering countries if needed.
Strengthening India’s global image
Operation Sindhu has made it clear that India is now not only committed to the safety of its citizens, but it is also playing a helping role in global humanitarian crises. Thus, India has once again strengthened its image as a responsible nation on the world stage.
In conclusion, Operation Sindhu has become not just an evacuation mission but an excellent example of India’s diplomatic prowess, humanitarian sensitivity, and leadership. This mission has not only brought relief to the citizens of India but has also become a reliable support for friendly nations like Nepal and Sri Lanka.
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News credit: Freepressjournal
