110 Indian Students Evacuated from War-Hit Iran, Return Safely to Delhi via Armenia

International News: With the Israel-Iran conflict entering its second week, fears had mounted for Indian nationals stranded in volatile regions of Iran. On Wednesday, 110 Indian students were successfully evacuated and flown back to New Delhi. The group primarily consisted of students from Jammu and Kashmir, studying medicine and allied courses in Iranian universities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the evacuation was carried out under a special mission named Operation Sindhu, aimed at ensuring the safety of Indian citizens amid growing missile and drone attacks. The Indian embassy in Tehran worked closely with local authorities and international agencies to organize a secure passage for the students via Armenia.

Safe Passage Through Armenia

Given the worsening security conditions at Iranian airports, the Indian government opted for an alternative route through Armenia. The students were transported by road to the Armenian border under tight security. From there, they boarded a special flight arranged by the Indian government, which landed in New Delhi early Thursday morning.

Students Narrate Scenes of Fear and Chaos

On reaching India, several students shared their terrifying experiences. One student from Srinagar said, “We could hear air raid sirens day and night. Drones flew over our dorms. We didn’t know if we would survive.” Another added that local Iranians tried to help them with food and mobile connectivity during the crisis.Throughout the operation, the Indian embassy maintained round-the-clock contact with students and their families. Special helplines were activated, and a real-time WhatsApp group was created for updates. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The safety of Indian citizens is our top priority. Operation Sindhu reflects India's commitment to protecting its people, wherever they are.”

Praise for Quick Response and Coordination

The families of the evacuated students expressed deep gratitude towards the Indian government. Political leaders across party lines praised the mission's speed and effectiveness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed about the situation and personally monitored evacuation updates. The MEA has not ruled out further evacuations as the Israel-Iran conflict remains volatile. Hundreds of Indian workers and students are still in various parts of Iran. The Indian embassy has advised all citizens to stay indoors, maintain contact, and follow updates through official channels.