India Extends Humanitarian Hand in Iran Conflict: Evacuates Citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka under Operation Sindhu

As tensions between Iran and Israel flare dangerously, India has launched an expansive evacuation mission known as Operation Sindhu, showcasing its growing stature as a regional leader in humanitarian diplomacy. What began as a mission to repatriate Indian citizens trapped in conflict-hit Iran has now evolved into a broader initiative—one that includes the evacuation of citizens from neighboring countries such as Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Of the 16 Nepali nationals, five are currently in Iranian prisons. (Representational) | NDTV

India Launches Operation Sindhu Amid Escalating Crisis

Operation Sindhu was initiated on June 18, 2025, in response to the deteriorating security situation in Iran, particularly in cities such as Mashhad and Tehran. The Indian government acted swiftly to bring back hundreds of its nationals, many of whom were students pursuing religious or medical education in Iranian institutions. The Iranian government, in coordination with Indian authorities, allowed emergency evacuation corridors, including relaxed airspace restrictions around high-risk zones.

By June 21, over 1,100 Indians had been safely evacuated, with chartered flights operating from Mashhad and Ashgabat. On June 22, an additional 311 Indian nationals returned home, pushing the total to 1,428 evacuees. The Ministry of External Affairs coordinated this large-scale operation through its embassies in Tehran and Turkmenistan, deploying 24/7 control rooms and emergency helplines to assist those in distress.

Nepal Seeks India’s Help—And Gets It

In a display of South Asian solidarity, India extended its evacuation efforts beyond its borders. Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, reached out to India via the Indian Ambassador in Kathmandu, Naveen Srivastava, seeking help in rescuing 16 Nepali citizens stranded in Iran. Of these, five individuals were reportedly held by Iranian authorities due to immigration violations, while ten others were awaiting evacuation.

Minister Deuba publicly thanked India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “India’s swift assistance in evacuating Nepali nationals from Iran is a reflection of the strength of Nepal–India ties.” Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Shankar Sharma, has since been actively coordinating with Indian officials to ensure the safe return of all Nepali citizens, with the first group expected to arrive shortly via Indian-operated charter flights.

Sri Lanka Also Joins the List of Beneficiaries

Sri Lanka, too, expressed concern over its nationals in Iran, albeit a smaller number—fewer than 100 citizens were reportedly present in the country at the time of the conflict. Recognizing India’s operational readiness, the Sri Lankan government formally requested assistance from New Delhi.

India’s Embassy in Tehran responded promptly, extending registration options for Sri Lankan citizens and incorporating them into its evacuation strategy. Officials from Colombo expressed gratitude for India’s support, describing it as a reflection of the historically close and cordial ties between the two nations.

Global Evacuations Continue—India Sets a Regional Example

India’s humanitarian effort comes at a time when several countries across the world are scrambling to extract their citizens from the Middle East. Countries including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, and Thailand have launched evacuation campaigns by land, air, and sea. However, what distinguishes Operation Sindhu is its inclusion of third-country nationals, something rarely seen in such military-diplomatic operations.

India’s proactive engagement with neighboring countries to ensure their citizens’ safety demonstrates the country’s evolving role as a responsible regional power. It also reflects New Delhi’s growing emphasis on humanitarian diplomacy—putting people before politics in times of crisis.

Conclusion: India’s Expanding Humanitarian Footprint

The transformation of Operation Sindhu from a national to a multinational humanitarian effort reflects India’s strategic maturity and moral leadership. In rescuing citizens not only from its own soil but also from Nepal and Sri Lanka, India has reaffirmed its commitment to regional solidarity and global humanitarian responsibility.

At a time when the world watches the Middle East with anxiety, India’s timely and inclusive action offers a powerful reminder that leadership is defined not only by economic or military strength but also by compassion, agility, and resolve in times of crisis.

(Sources: NDTV, LiveMint, Hindustan Times)