Operation Sindhu: Successful Evacuation of Indians from Conflict-Ridden Iran
Evacuation Efforts Under Operation Sindhu
India has successfully carried out Operation Sindhu, evacuating over 2,500 citizens from the conflict-affected region of Iran. The evacuees have expressed their appreciation for the government's efforts in ensuring their safe return.
Saiyada Jeniffer Rizvi, an Indian national, shared her experience, describing the conditions in Iran as 'horrific.' She emphasized that without the assistance of the Indian Embassy, they would have encountered numerous challenges.
Rizvi stated, 'The situation in Iran was dire. We faced many difficulties, especially with my child in tow. I am grateful to the embassy staff and the Modi government for facilitating our return.' Another evacuee, Kasim, expressed his relief, saying, 'I am thrilled to be back home. The arrangements were excellent.'
Syed Mehboob, who hails from Ladakh, also conveyed his gratitude, stating, 'I lived in Qom, Iran, and reached Delhi thanks to the embassy's support. I am very thankful and happy to be back.'
Further Developments in Operation Sindhu
A recent special flight brought back 281 Indian nationals, along with three Sri Lankans and two Nepalese, from Iran to New Delhi. This brings the total number of evacuees under Operation Sindhu to 2,576, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
Pabitra Margherita, the Minister of State for External Affairs, reaffirmed the Indian government's commitment to assist those in need, including neighboring countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Margherita stated, 'Our government is dedicated to providing all necessary support during crises. This marks the 11th batch of evacuees from Iran, totaling 2,576. Additionally, we have safely returned 594 Indian nationals from Israel, along with individuals from neighboring countries, bringing the total to 3,180 under Operation Sindhu.'
He added, 'Operation Sindhu is designed to assist every Indian national, and we are also extending our support to neighboring countries. We are committed to bringing back every Indian who requests evacuation.'
Background of the Conflict
In a related context, US President Donald Trump announced a 'complete and total ceasefire' agreement between Israel and Iran, following escalating tensions after Iran targeted American airbases in the Middle East.
The conflict began on June 13, when Israel executed a significant airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, dubbed 'Operation Rising Lion.' In retaliation, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a drone and missile campaign named 'Operation True Promise 3,' targeting Israeli fuel production and energy facilities.
Tensions intensified further when the US conducted precision airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites under 'Operation Midnight Hammer,' prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, including the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the region.