India’s Operation Sindhu: Evacuating Stranded Indian Students from Iran Amid Escalating Tensions

KKN Gurugram Desk | In response to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, the Indian government launched Operation Sindhu, a mission to evacuate Indian citizens stranded in Iran due to the worsening situation. As part of this operation, around 110 Indian students were successfully brought back to India, marking a significant achievement in the government’s efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens in conflict zones.

The students, who were previously stranded in Iran, have expressed their gratitude towards the Indian government for facilitating their safe return. Upon their arrival in Delhi, they shared their experiences of the tense and dangerous conditions they faced in Iran, especially in the capital, Tehran, where the situation remains precarious.

Operation Sindhu: Ensuring the Safety of Indian Students in Iran

The Indian government initiated Operation Sindhu to bring back citizens trapped in Iran, especially after tensions between Iran and Israel reached alarming levels. On June 18, 2025, 110 Indian students were safely evacuated from Iran via Armenia. After spending a few days in Armenia, the students flew into Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on the morning of June 19, where they were warmly received by their families and officials.

Despite being tired from their long journey, the students expressed immense relief and joy at finally being able to return to India. One student expressed that the situation in Iran was extremely dangerous, and they were all very fortunate to be safely back home. The students shared their firsthand accounts of the volatile conditions they had faced in Tehran, and many of them highlighted the terrifying moments of hearing missile strikes and witnessing military drone activity.

Student Testimonials: The Dangers of Living in Iran

One of the students, a resident of Kashmir who was studying MBBS at Urmia University, described the dire situation in Iran. He mentioned seeing missiles and hearing loud explosions. “We were terrified when we saw missiles flying above us,” he said. “The situation in Tehran was particularly alarming. We’re relieved to be back in India, and we are deeply thankful to the Indian government, especially the Ministry of External Affairs, for helping us in this critical time.”

Another student, Aman Azhar, who was also among those evacuated, could hardly contain his emotions. “I’m extremely happy to be back with my family,” he said. “I can’t describe how much I missed them. The situation in Iran was really bad, and seeing the struggles of the people there was heartbreaking. War is never a solution. It destroys lives and affects innocent children.”

The students repeatedly expressed their gratitude for the Indian government’s swift action to bring them back to safety. Several of them noted that the Indian Embassy in Iran had prepared everything in advance, making their evacuation smooth and without any major issues. Mariam Roz, another student who was evacuated, mentioned that she was staying at a hostel in Urmia where missile attacks caused windows to shake. “The missiles passing over our hostel were so close, the windows would rattle. I’m just so glad to be back in my homeland.”

Escalating Tensions in Iran: A Struggle for Survival

As the conflict between Iran and Israel continues to escalate, the situation for the people living in Iran, especially in areas like Tehran, is becoming increasingly dangerous. Many of the students who were evacuated had been studying at universities in various cities across Iran. While Urmia was relatively safe, other areas, including the capital, were highly volatile.

One student shared his experience of the growing instability, stating, “The situation is worsening day by day. Tehran is in chaos. We were evacuated from our university in Urmia, then taken to Armenia, and finally to Qatar before arriving in India. The Indian authorities have done a commendable job in ensuring our safety and getting us out of harm’s way.”

The Joy of Reunion: Parents Express Relief

The emotional toll on the families of the students was immense as they anxiously awaited news of their loved ones’ safety. For the parents of the students, it was a moment of immense joy and relief when they saw their children returning home. A student’s mother expressed her happiness by saying, “I’m so relieved and grateful that my daughter has safely returned home. I hope all the children stranded in Iran can make it back to their families soon.”

A father of one of the students, who had flown from India to Armenia to receive his child, said, “I’m overjoyed that my son is finally coming home. The efforts of the Indian government have been commendable. I hope that the government continues to help those still trapped in Tehran and other areas.”

Another father expressed gratitude to the Indian Embassy for their continuous support during the evacuation process. “The embassy was instrumental in coordinating everything. I’m thankful for their dedication and commitment in ensuring the safety of my son,” he said.

Continued Efforts for Those Left Behind

While Operation Sindhu has been successful in evacuating the majority of students, many still remain trapped in Tehran and other parts of Iran due to the ongoing conflict. The Indian government is continuing to monitor the situation closely and is making every effort to ensure the safety of all citizens, including the students who are still in Iran.

Yasir Ghaffar, one of the students who returned to India, shared his determination to go back to Iran once the situation improves. “I’ve not abandoned my dreams. Once the situation in Iran improves, I will return to finish my studies,” he said. “But for now, I’m just happy to be back in India.”

The successful execution of Operation Sindhu highlights the Indian government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens, even in the most dangerous of situations. The evacuation of 110 Indian students from Iran is a testament to India’s proactive and swift response to the crisis. While the situation in Iran remains tense, the government continues to prioritize the well-being of its citizens, providing aid and support to those who need it most.

As the situation unfolds, it is clear that India’s diplomatic and logistical capabilities will continue to play a crucial role in protecting its citizens and bringing them back home safely. The students who have returned to India are not only grateful for the timely assistance but are also hopeful that peace will eventually prevail, allowing them to return to their studies and dreams in the near future.