India expands Operation Sindhu: Evacuates Nepalese, Sri Lankans from Iran amid conflict

India has expanded its emergency evacuation mission, Operation Sindhu, to include Nepalese and Sri Lankan nationals stranded in Iran amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

The operation, initially launched to repatriate approximately 1,000 Indian nationals, mostly students and religious pilgrims, has seen multiple charter flights ferrying evacuees from Iranian cities Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad to New Delhi.

A senior Iranian diplomat, Mohammad Javad Hosseini, emphasized Iran's cooperation, stating, "We consider Indians as our own people... making arrangements to open [airspace] for the safe passage of Indian nationals." This exception to Iran's airspace closure was critical for the operation's success.

On June 20, a flight carrying 290 Indian students, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir, landed safely in Delhi, greeted by Arun Kumar Chatterjee, MEA Secretary (CPV & OIA). The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association expressed gratitude: "Heartfelt thanks to the Government of India, the Ministry of External Affairs, and all concerned authorities for their timely intervention and support."

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that as of June 21, 517 Indian nationals have returned under Operation Sindhu. The Indian Embassy in Iran also announced assistance for evacuating Nepalese and Sri Lankan nationals amid the ongoing missile strikes.

The conflict, which began on June 13 with Israel's airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, has raised fears of wider regional instability. The International Atomic Energy Agency warned of a potential nuclear disaster if hostilities escalate further.

India's swift response reflects its commitment to citizen safety abroad, following previous evacuation efforts like Operation Kaveri in Sudan (2023). The government is also preparing evacuation flights for Indian nationals in Israel, to be operated from Amman.

Quotes and Stats:
- "Operation Sindhu flight brings citizens home. Evacuated 290 Indian nationals from Iran... The flight arrived in New Delhi at 2330 hrs on 20 June." - Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson
- "We consider Indians as our own people... making arrangements to open [airspace] for the safe passage of Indian nationals." - Mohammad Javad Hosseini, Iranian diplomat
- "Heartfelt thanks to the Government of India... A great relief for families who had been anxiously awaiting their return." - Jammu and Kashmir Students Association
- 517 Indian nationals evacuated so far under Operation Sindhu

The operation underscores India’s diplomatic engagement and humanitarian efforts amid a volatile West Asian security environment.

India has expanded Operation Sindhu to evacuate not only its nationals but also Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens from conflict-hit Iran amid escalating Israel-Iran hostilities. Nearly 1,000 Indians, mostly students, have been flown out on chartered flights with Iran easing airspace restrictions to facilitate the mission.