India joins global rush to evacuate citizens as Israel-Iran conflict spirals out of control
By isabelle // 2025-06-20
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  • The Indian government is urgently evacuating thousands of nationals stranded in Israel and Iran due to escalating military tensions, prioritizing their safety.
  • "Operation Sindhu" facilitates evacuations via land borders and flights, with 110 Indian students already relocated from Iran to Armenia before returning home.
  • Approximately 18,000 Indians in Israel, many working as caregivers, and 4,000 in Iran are being assisted, with embassies urging immediate registration for evacuation.
  • India maintains diplomatic ties with both Israel and Iran while calling for de-escalation, balancing strategic interests in technology and energy resources.
  • Multiple nations, including the U.S., China, and European countries, are also evacuating citizens as missile exchanges intensify in the region.
The Indian government has launched urgent evacuation efforts to bring home thousands of nationals stranded in the conflict zone to protect its citizens from the escalating military confrontation between Israel and Iran. The Indian Foreign Ministry announced Thursday that all Indians wishing to leave Israel will be transported via land borders before being flown back to India, mirroring similar efforts already underway in Iran, where 110 students were safely relocated to Armenia before returning home. With approximately 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, many of whom work as caregivers for elderly Israelis, and another 4,000 in Iran, New Delhi is prioritizing safety while urging de-escalation between the two warring nations.

Operation Sindhu: A lifeline for Indians abroad

The evacuation, dubbed "Operation Sindhu," underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its diaspora amid rising tensions. The Indian embassy in Tel Aviv has urged citizens to register for evacuation immediately, emphasizing strict adherence to Israeli safety protocols. "In view of the recent developments between Israel and Iran, the Government of India has decided to evacuate from Israel those Indian nationals who wish to leave," the Foreign Ministry stated. "Their travel from Israel to India will be facilitated through the land borders and thereafter by air to India." India’s diplomatic balancing act is on full display as it maintains friendly ties with both Israel and Iran while calling for restraint. "Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilized to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues," the ministry said shortly after Israel’s initial strikes on Iran last Friday. This measured approach reflects India’s strategic interests in the region, where it relies on Israeli technology and Iranian energy resources.

Global scramble to evacuate citizens

India is not alone in its evacuation efforts. Governments worldwide are scrambling to extract their citizens from the volatile region as missile exchanges intensify. The U.S. has announced plans for air and sea evacuations, with Ambassador Mike Huckabee stating the embassy was arranging "evacuation flights and cruise ship departures for American citizens wanting to leave Israel." European nations like the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Germany have already repatriated hundreds via neighboring countries, while Australia is prioritizing land evacuations due to the risks posed by missile barrages. China has evacuated more than 1,600 citizens from Iran and hundreds more from Israel, while Pakistan has facilitated the return of 3,000 nationals from Iran. Japan has placed military planes on standby for its citizens in both countries, and Indonesia is preparing to evacuate nearly 400 nationals from Iran by land. Even smaller nations like Vietnam and the Philippines are mobilizing resources to ensure the safety of their workers and students. India’s swift action highlights its growing capability to manage international crises affecting its diaspora. The successful evacuation of students from Iran — transported by road to Armenia before being flown home — demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated diplomatic and logistical efforts. With more than 10,000 Indians still in Iran and 18,000 in Israel, the challenge remains immense, but New Delhi appears determined to meet it head-on. Sources for this article include: RT.com EconomicTimes.IndiaTimes.com France24.com
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