As part of its intensified evacuation efforts under Operation Sindhu, the Indian government has announced plans for three more rescue flights from Iran over the next few days. The update came from Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, who addressed reporters after welcoming a new group of 285 Indian nationals at Delhi Airport on Saturday night.
The group had arrived on a special flight from Mashhad, Iran. These evacuees, now safely back on Indian soil, come from various parts of the country including Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. The latest arrival brings the total number of citizens repatriated from Iran under Operation Sindhu to 1,713.
Minister Margherita also provided an update on Indian citizens affected by the ongoing conflict in Israel. A group of 162 nationals had managed to cross into Jordan and are expected to be flown back to India within the next 24 to 48 hours. He emphasized that the government remains in constant touch with Indian communities in both Iran and Israel, ensuring that all necessary support is extended for their safe return.
The Ministry of External Affairs shared the latest figures in a social media post, confirming the successful landing of the flight from Mashhad at 11:30 PM on June 22. In the post, Margherita expressed his appreciation for the seamless coordination and praised the collaborative efforts of Indian diplomatic teams working on the ground.
“I warmly welcomed 285 Indian nationals who arrived from Iran. With this, 1,713 of our citizens have now returned home safely. Our evacuation operations continue in full swing,” the minister said.
India’s swift action under Operation Sindhu highlights the government’s growing capability in crisis management and its commitment to safeguarding citizens abroad during international conflicts. As the geopolitical tension in the Middle East persists, New Delhi’s next series of evacuations is set to play out in the coming days, offering hope and safety to those still stranded.
