India has successfully brought back 311 more citizens from conflict-hit Iran, raising the total number of evacuees to 1,428 since operations began. The escalating geopolitical tension in the region has triggered urgent coordination between the Indian Embassy in Tehran, the Ministry of External Affairs, and Air India, which has been operating special flights to ensure safe passage home.
Among those returning are several Indian workers, students, and professionals, including NRIs visiting family in Iran or working in sectors like shipping and oil. Many shared that although they initially downplayed the crisis, the worsening situation on the ground pushed them to seek early evacuation.
This evolving crisis has particularly rattled diaspora communities with ties to Iran, underscoring the vulnerabilities faced by Indians abroad during geopolitical upheavals. For NRIs with family members still in Iran, the updates have been both reassuring and anxiety-inducing.
Authorities continue to advise Indian nationals to register with the embassy and avoid non-essential travel to affected areas. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain active as India works to maintain safe exit routes for any remaining citizens.
Below is a timeline of India’s evacuation efforts from Iran
India launched Operation Sindhu, its formal evacuation mission, in mid-June. Here’s how the effort has unfolded so far:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 13 - | Tensions spike after Israel strikes Iranian nuclear facilities |
| June 18 - | India initiates evacuation, coordinating with neighboring countries for safe exit routes |
| June 19 - | First flight carrying 110 Indian students arrives via Armenia |
| June 20 - | 290 evacuees (including 1 Sri Lankan national) land in Delhi |
| June 22 - | A group of 285 Indian nationals reaches home |
| June 24 - | Latest batch of 311 more Indians returns safely |
| Now - | Total evacuees cross 1,700+, with further missions planned depending on risk levels |
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has been working round-the-clock, operating helplines and liaising with Iranian authorities to facilitate safe exits. The temporary opening of Iran’s airspace has also played a critical role in enabling these special repatriation flights.
While the immediate focus remains on citizen safety, the scale and speed of this operation are a reminder of the deep vulnerabilities that global Indian communities face during geopolitical upheaval and the importance of staying connected with diplomatic channels during such emergencies.