
, Iran lifts its airspace ban to allow India’s Operation Sindhu to evacuate 1,000 stranded citizens amid escalating Iran-Israel conflict
A Lifeline Amid Chaos: Operation Sindhu Takes Flight
As tensions between Iran and Israel escalated into open hostilities, thousands of Indian nationals, many of them students, found themselves trapped in an increasingly dangerous environment. In response, the Indian government launched Operation Sindhu, a swift and strategic evacuation mission aimed at bringing its citizens home safely.
What made this operation extraordinary was Iran’s decision to lift its airspace restrictions, a rare diplomatic concession in the midst of a regional conflict. Iranian Deputy Chief of Mission Mohammad Javad Hosseini emphasized the deep cultural and emotional ties between the two nations, stating, “We consider Indians as our own people.” This sentiment translated into action as Iran cleared three chartered flights operated by Mahan Air to evacuate nearly 1,000 Indians from Mashhad to New Delhi.
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The evacuees had been relocated from Tehran to Qom and then to Mashhad after Israeli airstrikes targeted the Iranian capital. The first flight landed in Delhi on Friday evening, with two more scheduled for Saturday. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) coordinated closely with Iranian authorities to ensure the safe passage of its citizens.
Humanity Over Hostility: Iran’s Unprecedented Gesture
Iran’s decision to open its airspace despite ongoing missile threats and a general closure to international flights—was not just a logistical move but a profound humanitarian gesture. In a region where airspace is often weaponized, this act stood out as a beacon of compassion.
The Iranian diplomat reiterated that all Indians in Iran were safe, although a few students had sustained injuries during an earlier Israeli strike on a student dormitory in Tehran. In a parallel effort, 110 Indian students were evacuated via land to Armenia and flown back to India from Yerevan, showcasing the multi-pronged nature of Operation Sindhu.
This operation also highlighted the Indian government’s commitment to the safety of its diaspora. The MEA activated a 24×7 control room and emergency helplines, ensuring real-time coordination with families and diplomatic missions. The swift response and transparent communication helped ease anxieties back home.
A Testament to Indo-Iranian Ties and Crisis Diplomacy
Operation Sindhu is more than just an evacuation, it’s a case study in crisis diplomacy, where swift action, mutual respect, and humanitarian values converged. Iran’s willingness to make an exception for India, even as it faced its own national security challenges, speaks volumes about the strength of bilateral relations.
India’s gratitude was echoed in official statements, with the MEA thanking both Iran and Armenia for their cooperation. The operation also brought attention to the broader issue of student safety in conflict zones and the importance of proactive contingency planning.
As the final flights prepare to land, Operation Sindhu stands as a triumph of diplomacy over destruction, and a reminder that even in times of war, humanity can prevail.
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