Indian Students Safely Return Amid Iran Airspace Opening
A flight carrying 290 Indian students touched down in New Delhi after Iran made a rare exception to open its airspace, facilitating evacuation under India's Operation Sindhu. This relief comes as tensions escalate in West Asia, with growing conflict deepening concerns for Indian nationals stranded in the region.
From Tehran to Mashhad: Safe Transfers Amid Intensifying Strikes
Prior to their departure, most students—predominantly from Jammu and Kashmir—were relocated from Tehran to the safer city of Mashhad. This move was critical as Israeli airstrikes increasingly targeted Tehran, making the capital too dangerous for continued residence.
The evacuation flight was operated by Iran’s Mahan Air late Friday night, marking the first of three scheduled repatriation efforts organized jointly by India and Iran.
Coordinated Evacuation Efforts Highlighted
Javed Hosseini, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi, confirmed robust cooperation between the two governments. "Indian nationals were first shifted to secure locations before onward travel arrangements were made. Though Iranian airspace remains largely closed due to ongoing hostilities, a special clearance was granted solely for Indian evacuation flights," he explained.
Gratitude From Student Associations
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association expressed heartfelt appreciation: "We thank the Indian government, Ministry of External Affairs, and all authorities involved for their swift action and support. This brings immense relief to families who have been anxiously awaiting their loved ones' return."
Additional Evacuations Underway
This latest evacuation follows the safe return of 110 Indian nationals via routes through Armenia and Doha earlier this week. Furthermore, a special private flight carrying 56 students is scheduled to arrive in India from Turkmenistan early tomorrow morning.
These individuals represent diverse states across India, including Uttar Pradesh (47), Gujarat (5), Delhi (3), and Rajasthan (1). This route was arranged through Jeddah, underscoring the extensive logistical efforts underpinning Operation Sindhu.
Context: Rising Conflict and Diplomatic Coordination
The evacuation unfolds amid continuous aerial bombardments and retaliatory strikes between Israel and Iran, which have placed many foreign nationals in peril. The exceptional opening of Iranian airspace specifically for Indian evacuation flights highlights the urgent humanitarian response and diplomatic coordination at play.
