Operation Sindhu Successfully Brings Over 100 Indian Students Home from Iran
In a relief to many anxious families, more than 100 Indian students evacuated from conflict-stricken Iran have safely arrived in New Delhi early Thursday morning. This evacuation was carried out under the comprehensive government initiative dubbed Operation Sindhu, designed to bring Indians out of harm's way amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.
From Tehran to Armenia, Then Home
The group of 110 students was initially transported from Tehran to Armenia, a safer neighboring country, with critical support from the Indian Embassy. From there, they boarded a flight back to India, marking the first successful repatriation effort under this operation.
Gratitude Amidst Anxiety
The Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association publicly expressed their heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for swiftly acting to protect Indian nationals abroad. The association also voiced hope for the evacuation of all remaining students still in Iran.
Emotional Reunions at Delhi Airport
Scenes of emotional reunions unfolded as relieved parents embraced their children, marking the end of a harrowing chapter. Haider Ali, father of 21-year-old medical student Maaz Haider, conveyed his gratitude: “We are thankful to the government for bringing the students back safely. However, many others remain in precarious conditions in Tehran and need immediate evacuation.”
Parvez Alam, whose son studies in Urmia, shared the immense stress his family endured during the crisis. He acknowledged the government's efforts to facilitate safe relocation to Armenia, which helped shield the students from escalating violence.
Voices from the Evacuees
Medical student Mir Khalif, who experienced the evacuation firsthand, described terrifying moments amidst missile strikes and bombings in their neighborhood. “Missiles were flying overhead, and our area was hit repeatedly. It truly felt like war,” he recounted, expressing hope that his peers still abroad would soon be brought to safety.
Another student, Ali Akbar from Delhi, shared a chilling episode witnessed during their bus ride to safety: “We saw a missile and a drone crash nearby. The devastation in Tehran is very real and severe.”
Ongoing Efforts to Evacuate Remaining Students
Officials confirmed that coordinated measures continue to relocate the remaining Indian students in Iran to secure locations before arranging their safe passage back home. These efforts remain a high priority amid the volatile situation in the region.
Operation Sindhu exemplifies a determined and compassionate response by the Indian government to safeguard its citizens overseas during times of crisis, offering reassurance amid uncertainty.
