In a major relief operation amid rising tensions in the Middle East, 290 Indian nationals, including several Kashmiri students, arrived safely in Delhi on Saturday aboard an Iranian Mahan Air flight—the first direct commercial evacuation since the Iran–Israel conflict flared up last Friday.
Describing the experience, one student said, “It was terrible… felt as if we wouldn’t be able to go back.” The escalating violence, marked by drone and missile attacks, had left many stranded and fearful for their lives.
The evacuation is part of Operation Sindhu, a large-scale Indian government initiative aimed at rescuing citizens trapped in conflict zones. Over 110 students have already been brought back via Armenia, and more than 4,000 Indians remain in Iran, with additional rescue flights—some through Turkmenistan—being organized.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) continues to work closely with regional authorities to ensure the safety and return of all Indian nationals. As new flights are readied, this operation underscores India’s firm commitment to safeguarding its people in times of global crisis.
The emotional return of these evacuees is not just a tale of relief—it is a stark reminder of the real human cost of geopolitical conflict.
