Operation Sindhu: India’s Swift Response to the Iran-Israel War

As tensions in West Asia spiral out of control due to the Iran-Israel conflict, India has launched an ambitious evacuation mission titled Operation Sindhu. The operation, which began as a rescue mission for Indian nationals in Iran, has now expanded to include citizens stranded in Israel. With thousands of lives at stake, India’s proactive measures reflect not only a commitment to its citizens but also a strategic diplomatic balancing act during one of the most volatile geopolitical flare-ups in recent years.

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The Spark: A New Warfront in West Asia

The operation was triggered by a sharp escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran, which began on June 13, 2025. Israel launched preemptive strikes on multiple Iranian nuclear and military sites, citing threats over Iran’s alleged advances in nuclear weapon development. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks, which quickly turned the situation into a full-scale regional confrontation.

Adding fuel to the fire, the United States later joined the fray by targeting three of Iran’s nuclear facilities, further destabilizing the region. The growing scope of this war created immediate danger for foreign nationals, especially those residing in conflict zones. Among the most vulnerable were thousands of Indian citizens, including students, medical professionals, pilgrims, and workers, living in both Iran and Israel.

Phase One: Evacuating from Iran

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) began Operation Sindhu on June 18, focusing first on evacuating its nationals from Iran. The maiden effort rescued 110 Indian students from Urmia Medical University. They were transported overland from northern Iran to Armenia, and from there flown back to New Delhi.

The intensity of the situation in Iran was underscored by accounts from evacuees, who described scenes of chaos, air raid sirens, and visible casualties along the roads. The MEA, in coordination with the Indian Embassy in Tehran, quickly scaled up the operation. By June 21, over 827 Indian citizens—including students, pilgrims, and workers—had been successfully evacuated through additional flights from Mashhad and Ashgabat.

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Iran allowed the use of its airspace to expedite the evacuations. This rare cooperation amid conflict was seen as a testament to the strength of India-Iran bilateral relations. With an estimated 4,000 Indians still remaining in Iran, many of them students in various cities, further evacuations are actively being arranged.

Phase Two: Extension to Israel

Recognizing the growing threat to Indian nationals in Israel, the government swiftly extended Operation Sindhu to cover the second front of the conflict. India has a sizeable diaspora of approximately 18,000 citizens residing in Israel, many of whom are students or engaged in essential professions.

The evacuation plan from Israel involves land transit to neighboring Jordan, primarily via the border near Amman, followed by specially arranged flights to India. The first batch of evacuees began their journey on June 22, marking the formal start of the Israeli leg of Operation Sindhu. India's low-cost airline IndiGo confirmed its involvement in facilitating these rescue flights.

In Israel, the situation remains extremely volatile, with the government issuing multiple alerts, including shelter-in-place orders for civilians. Indian nationals have been advised to strictly follow the guidelines of the Israeli Home Front Command. The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has launched a registration portal for those seeking evacuation and has made emergency contact lines available around the clock.

Strategic Coordination and Diplomatic Balance

Operation Sindhu reflects more than just a humanitarian response; it is also a complex diplomatic maneuver. India is carefully balancing its longstanding partnerships with both Iran and Israel, two countries with whom it shares important strategic, defense, and economic ties.

The operation has been coordinated with the help of neighboring countries, particularly Armenia, Turkmenistan, and Jordan, who have allowed land access and provided logistical support. The collaboration shows how India’s foreign policy now operates in a multi-aligned world, where diplomacy, agility, and swift execution are vital for protecting its global citizenry.

A History of Swift Indian Evacuation Missions

India has a storied history of conducting large-scale rescue operations during global crises. From Operation Kaveri in Sudan (2023), Operation Ajay during the Gaza war (2023), to the massive Kuwait Airlift of 1990, the Indian government has repeatedly demonstrated its capability and willpower to extract its citizens from conflict zones across the world.

What sets Operation Sindhu apart is the speed of execution and the coordination across two active warzones. The dual-front nature of this mission presents unique challenges, but India has risen to the occasion with a robust, methodical approach.

Conclusion: A Humanitarian and Strategic Imperative

Operation Sindhu is a prime example of India’s evolving role on the global stage—not just as a fast-growing economy or a defense power, but as a nation deeply committed to the safety and welfare of its people, regardless of where they are in the world.

As the Middle East conflict continues to evolve, India's focus remains fixed on ensuring that every citizen who wants to return home can do so safely. Through seamless coordination, strong diplomatic ties, and a tireless commitment to service, Operation Sindhu has already made a life-saving difference to hundreds and stands ready to help thousands more.

(Sources: NDTV, IndiaTV News)