Explained: What is Operation Sindhu?

What is Operation Sindhu?

Operation Sindu is a humanitarian evacuation mission launched by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on June 18, 2025, to repatriate Indian nationals – primarily students – stranded in conflict-affected areas of Iran amid the Israel-Iran War.

First Evacuation Phase

For the evacuation of students, first flights carrying 110 Indian students left from Yerevan, Armenia, on June 18, 2025, and landed in Delhi early on June 19, 2025. These students are escorted from northern Iran to Armenia on June 17 under the embassy's coordination.

Operation Sindhu brings people home.

110 Indian students evacuated from Iran under #OperationSindhu have safely arrived in New Delhi on a special flight from Yerevan, Armenia. MoS @KVSinghMPGonda received them at the airport.

Government of 🇮🇳 remains committed to the safety of… pic.twitter.com/GwhI5R26DE

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 19, 2025

What is the purpose of launching Operation Sindhu?

Operation Sindhu was launched by the Government of India on June 18, 2025, with the primary purpose of evacuating Indian citizens from Iran. To safely deport the Indian nationals, especially students, stranded in conflict-hit Iran amid escalating tension and military action between Iran and Israel.

What are the objectives of Operation Sindhu?

The key objective of Operation Sindhu is: 

1. Ensure Safety of Indian Citizens: Iran has been experiencing missile attacks and drone strikes due to the Israel-Iran conflicts, creating a serious risk to civilians.

2. Provide Swift and Safe Passage: India coordinated with neighbouring countries like Armenia and Turkmenistan to enable land crossings and ensure safe flight arrangements for returning to India.

3. Reaffirm India’s Commitment to Diaspora Protection: Like earlier missions (Operation Ganga, Operation Kaveri, and Operation Ajay), Operation Sindhu also reinforces India’s global policy of “No Indian Left Behind” during crises.

As per Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, “Operation Sindhu begins 🇮🇳.

India launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran. India evacuated 110 students from northern Iran, who crossed into Armenia under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia on 17th June. They departed from Yerevan on a special flight and will arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of 19th June 2025. 

🇮🇳 accords the highest priority to the safety and security of her nationals abroad.”

Operation Sindhu begins 🇮🇳.

India launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran. India evacuated 110 students from northern Iran who crossed into Armenia under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia on 17th June. They departed from Yerevan on a… pic.twitter.com/8WJom7wh5f

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 18, 2025

What is the significance of Operation Sindhu?

Operation Sindhu reflects India’s robust crisis response system and its ability to protect citizens in geopolitical flashpoints. It strengthens India’s diplomatic image and soft power globally.

Conclusion

India is actively carrying out Operation Sindhu, a clearing operation to rescue and bring home its citizens from Iran. The inaugural flight has safely returned 110 students,, and further rescue efforts are ongoing, utilising multiple routes and continuing embassy support.