India Launches Massive Evacuation as Iran Opens Airspace Amid Escalating Conflict

In a significant humanitarian gesture, Iran has temporarily lifted its airspace restrictions to facilitate the evacuation of Indian nationals stranded in the country due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. This special clearance, granted exclusively to India, marks a vital lifeline for nearly a thousand Indian citizens—mainly students—returning home under the government-led mission titled Operation Sindhu.

Indian students returning from Iran via Armenia, under an evacuation operation facilitated by the Government of India. (Photo: PTI) | India Today

A Crisis Unfolds in the Middle East

Tensions in the Middle East have been steadily escalating since June 13, following a series of missile strikes and drone attacks exchanged between Iran and Israel. As the region became a flashpoint, Iran imposed a near-total ban on civilian air traffic over its territory, further complicating evacuation efforts for foreign nationals, including over 10,000 Indians living or working in Iran.

In the midst of this crisis, the Indian government acted swiftly. With the help of diplomatic channels and high-level coordination, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) initiated Operation Sindhu on June 18 to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens trapped in conflict-prone zones.

The Humanitarian Corridor: Iran’s Unprecedented Move

Despite shutting its skies to international commercial aviation, Iran made an exception for India, allowing the use of its airspace for the evacuation mission. This move was praised as a gesture of friendship and goodwill. Mohammad Javad Hosseini, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi, expressed deep solidarity, stating that Iranians consider Indians as their own people. He added that if further assistance is required, Iran would be open to authorizing more flights.

The airspace exception enabled the dispatch of special Mahan Air chartered flights from Mashhad and Ashgabat to Delhi. The first flight is expected to land late Friday night, with two more scheduled for Saturday. These flights are bringing home roughly 1,000 Indian citizens, many of whom are students pursuing education in Iran’s northern cities such as Urmia and Mashhad.

Evacuation in Action: Inside Operation Sindhu

Operation Sindhu began with the ground evacuation of 110 students from Urmia Medical University. These students were transported via Armenia and arrived in India on June 19. The operation was personally overseen by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, who received the students at Delhi Airport. The Indian government has since scaled up the mission to include direct flights from Iran and Turkmenistan to Delhi.

The evacuation involved intricate planning—identifying stranded nationals, coordinating safe ground transport amid air raid sirens, securing overflight permissions, and ensuring diplomatic approvals on short notice. The Indian embassy in Tehran, along with missions in Armenia and Turkmenistan, worked around the clock to support the logistics.

A Broader Evacuation Effort: Eyes on Israel

As the crisis expands, Operation Sindhu is now extending beyond Iran. Hundreds of Indian nationals in Israel are also being evacuated through neighbouring countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, and Cyprus. These individuals are being brought to safe zones by land and sea before being flown back to India.

The Ministry of External Affairs has activated emergency helplines and advisory centers in Tehran, Tel Aviv, and Yerevan to assist stranded nationals. The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens abroad, no matter the diplomatic or logistical challenges.

Public Sentiment and Ground Realities

Families of the evacuees expressed relief and gratitude as the first groups of students landed in Delhi. Many shared accounts of hearing explosions from their dorm rooms, living under blackouts, and surviving in constant fear of bombings. The return home has not only brought safety but immense emotional comfort to these young students and their families.

Meanwhile, Iranian officials and airspace authorities have received praise from the Indian media for prioritizing humanitarian cooperation over regional hostilities.

Conclusion: A Testament to Diplomacy and Preparedness

The successful execution of Operation Sindhu reaffirms India’s growing capability in crisis management and diplomacy. Drawing on its experience from past operations such as Operation Ganga (Ukraine, 2022), Operation Kaveri (Sudan, 2023), and Operation Raahat (Yemen, 2015), the Indian government has once again demonstrated its commitment to the safety and welfare of its diaspora.

As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, further evacuations may be required. For now, the safe return of hundreds of Indians—despite closed skies and rising tensions—stands as a powerful example of what strategic diplomacy and international goodwill can achieve.

(Sources: India Today, NDTV)