New Delhi, June 2025 — Amid intensifying conflict, Iran has temporarily opened its closed airspace for Indian evacuation flights under “Operation Sindhu”, allowing the safe passage of Indian citizens stranded in high-risk areas of Iran. The move comes during the full-scale war between Israel and Iran, where missiles, drones, and even hypersonic weapons are being exchanged.
The operation was launched by the Government of India to rescue over 4,000 Indian nationals, predominantly students, who were stranded in conflict zones across Iran. Many of them were based in cities like Tehran, Mashhad, and particularly Qom, located dangerously close to nuclear facilities that were reportedly under threat.
Amid widespread bombings, power outages, food and water shortages, and internet blackouts, Indian students faced severe psychological and logistical hardships. A large number of these students were from Jammu and Kashmir, and many described the experience as “living in a war movie”, witnessing missiles flying overhead.
Iran has shut down its airspace due to the conflicts. It made an exception for India by creating a temporary air corridor, allowing Indian evacuation flights to operate safely. This was diplomatic gesture, especially given India’s traditionally close ties with Israel.
This decision is seen as a testament to strong India-Iran diplomatic relations, and the stature of India in the geopolitics. Reports suggest that meticulous coordination was done to time the flights in a way that would avoid active missile engagements in the region.
At least three chartered flights operated from Mashhad, where many students were first relocated from Tehran and other conflict zones. These flights successfully transported around 1,000 Indian nationals back to Delhi, with more evacuations expected.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran played a pivotal role, offering shelter, logistical assistance, and mental health support. A 24/7 control room was set up in both Tehran and New Delhi, ensuring continuous coordination.
Students were reportedly evacuated from their doorsteps, highlighting the thorough planning and swift execution by Indian authorities. Some students did raise concerns over poor-quality transportation once in India, but prompt intervention by local authorities, including Jammu & Kashmir officials, resolved the issue.
Armenia’s Silent but Vital Role
With regional tensions high and India’s ties strained with neighbors like Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan, options for land evacuation were limited. Afghanistan remains diplomatically complex due to Taliban control, and Iraq’s airbases were largely non-operational.
Amidst this, Armenia emerged as a crucial ally. Quiet yet critical diplomatic coordination with Armenia allowed India to set up backup transit options through neighboring countries like Turkmenistan and Oman, showcasing Armenia’s rising importance in India’s regional strategy.
India has previously carried out similar large-scale evacuations under Operation Ganga (Ukraine), Operation Kaveri (Sudan), and Vande Bharat (during COVID-19). Operation Sindhu now joins this list as a shining example of swift, sensitive, and strategic crisis response.
In Summary:
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Over 4,000 Indians, mainly students, were stuck in war-hit Iran.
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Iran opened its closed airspace specifically for Indian evacuation.
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Operation Sindhu evacuated hundreds safely via chartered flights from Mashhad.
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Diplomatic coordination included key roles from Armenia, Turkmenistan, and Oman.
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The operation demonstrated both India’s emergency response capabilities and the power of humanitarian diplomacy in conflict zones.
Operation Sindhu, named after the Indus River, symbolizes continuity, civilization, and safe passage, mirroring India’s enduring efforts to bring its citizens home safely, no matter the challenge
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