Relief in the Skies: 290 More Indians Return from Iran Under Operation Sindhu, Total Evacuated Now 1,117

World News: As the wheels of the rescue flight touched down on the tarmac in Delhi, a visible sense of relief spread across the faces of the returning passengers. These were Indian nationals who had spent the past several days stranded in Iran amid escalating conflict and ongoing missile attacks. The special flight that arrived late Saturday night safely brought back 290 Indian citizens, raising the total number of evacuees under Operation Sindhu to 1,117.

The flight landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi at 11:30 PM on June 21, where officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and designated relief teams were present to receive the passengers.

In a Crisis, Government’s Response Became a Lifeline

While the streets of Tehran and surrounding regions remain under the shadow of war-like tension, India’s swift response through Operation Sindhu has sent a strong and reassuring message:

"No Indian will be left behind in a crisis."

In a statement shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the successful arrival of the fifth evacuation flight:

“290 Indian nationals have been brought back safely from Iran under Operation Sindhu. This marks the fifth successful evacuation. The Indian government is monitoring the situation with utmost care and sensitivity.”

Emotional Homecoming for Many

Those returning spoke of the anxiety they faced during their time in Iran. Naveed, a medical student from Kashmir, recounted his experience:

“We were stuck for over a week. Every day, we heard the sound of missiles. The atmosphere was full of fear. But the moment our plane landed in India, it felt like we could finally breathe again.”

Another student from Siwan, Bihar, who had been studying in Tehran for the last two years, expressed his gratitude:

“The situation was deteriorating quickly. In such times, what the Indian government did felt like a blessing. I am thankful to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of External Affairs for acting so swiftly.”

What is Operation Sindhu?

Operation Sindhu is a special evacuation initiative launched by the Government of India to rescue Indian citizens stranded in conflict-hit Iran. As of now, five special flights have been arranged to bring home affected individuals. The mission stands as a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its people—no matter where they are in the world.

The Road Ahead

According to officials, a few Indian nationals may still be located in remote regions of Iran. The government has assured that covert and strategic efforts are ongoing to trace and evacuate them. The Indian Embassy remains in constant communication with local authorities to ensure no one is left behind.

At a time when global attention is fixed on the volatile situation in Iran, India’s humanitarian operation is not just an example of effective crisis management—it is a powerful reminder that the Indian passport carries with it the promise of protection. This mission reaffirms India’s commitment to its citizens, no matter how distant the danger may be.