As tensions between Iran and Israel escalate into a prolonged conflict, the Government of India has launched a large-scale evacuation mission, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Indian nationals — particularly students and workers — residing in conflict zones.
On Saturday, the Indian Embassy in Tehran confirmed that it is actively evacuating all Indian citizens from Iran, as part of Operation Sindhu, a dedicated mission launched to ensure the safe return of Indians amid the deteriorating security situation in the region.
In an alert posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Embassy shared emergency contact numbers and a link to its official Telegram channel to assist citizens in distress.
“The Indian Embassy in Iran is evacuating all Indian nationals. The Embassy may be contacted either on the Telegram channel or through the emergency numbers: +989010144557, +989128109115, +989128109109,” the post read.
Recognizing the vulnerability of students and migrant workers, many of whom are young and far from home, Indian officials have placed a special emphasis on coordinating safe transport and communication.
Many of these students were pursuing medical, engineering, and religious studies in Iranian universities.
In a remarkable show of regional solidarity, India also extended its evacuation efforts to include citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka, following requests from the governments of both countries.
The Embassy stated, “On request of the Governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka, the Indian Embassy’s evacuation efforts in Iran will also cover citizens of these nations. They are urged to urgently contact the Embassy through the Telegram channel or emergency numbers.”
The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry echoed the message in a statement from Colombo, advising its citizens in Iran — estimated to be fewer than 100 — to reach out to the Indian Embassy if they wish to return home. The ministry confirmed that India has agreed to accommodate Sri Lankan nationals on evacuation flights.
Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday confirmed that over 500 Indian nationals have already returned safely from Iran under Operation Sindhu, and more flights are scheduled as needed.
The swift and organized response reflects India’s growing capability and resolve to protect its diaspora worldwide, especially students and workers who may lack the resources or networks to evacuate on their own during geopolitical emergencies.
In recent years, India has conducted multiple successful evacuation operations — from Ukraine, Sudan, Afghanistan, and now Iran — reinforcing its image as a reliable and responsible nation that leaves no citizen behind, regardless of the scale of the crisis.
As the conflict shows no signs of de-escalation, the Indian government continues to monitor the situation closely, prepared to take further steps to safeguard not only its citizens but also those of neighboring nations in the spirit of humanitarian cooperation.
