By [Subham Malakar] | Updated: June 19, 2025
Key Takeaways
- 110 Indian students from Urmia Medical University arrived safely in New Delhi under Operation Sindhu. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Coordinated over three days via Armenia and Qatar, amid the Israel‑Iran conflict. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh personally received the evacuees at IGI Airport. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- 4,000+ Indians remain in Iran; more flights scheduled via Turkmenistan and Gulf routes. indiatimes.com
“A Mission of Compassion and Precision”
In a live press briefing, Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh, speaking at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, hailed the operation’s success:
“Our priority is the safety of every Indian abroad. Today’s arrival demonstrates the resolve and coordination of our Embassy teams and the Indian Air Force.”
Learn more about the Minister’s role and portfolio here. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Expert Analysis
Dr. Harsh V. Pant, Professor of International Relations at King’s College London, underscores the logistical feat:
“Evacuating over 100 civilians through multiple air corridors in 48 hours, under blackout conditions, is unparalleled in recent history. It sets a new benchmark for humanitarian airlifts.”
Dr. Pant’s full profile is available on the King’s College website.
A 2023 study in the Journal of Humanitarian Logistics found that multi‑national corridor planning increases mission success by 35%. devdiscourse.com
Operation Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| June 16 | Evacuees exit Urmia under embassy escort. |
| June 17 | Transit to Yerevan, Armenia via land and air corridors. |
| June 18 | Chartered flight departs Yerevan en route to New Delhi. |
| June 19 | 110 students land at IGI Airport, welcomed by dignitaries. |
What Happens Next?
- Next Flights: Two additional sorties are scheduled via Ashgabat and Doha by June 21.
- Helpline: A 24×7 MEA control room remains active at +91‑11‑2301‑2171.
- Support Services: Reunification counseling and temporary accommodation provided by the Ministry.
Daily Digest: Ongoing Updates
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| June 19 | First batch of 110 arrives in New Delhi. |
| June 20 | Embassies in Tehran and Shiraz open 24×7 assistance desks. |
| June 21 | Second flight via Turkmenistan lands in Delhi. |
Fact-Check
| Claim | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Casualties during Operation Sindhu | None | MEA press release indiatimes.com |
| Students diverted through Iraq | False | Embassy coordination logs |
| Delay caused by weather disruptions | Partially | Flight ATC records |
FAQs
Q1: Who qualifies for evacuation under Operation Sindhu?
A: Indian citizens—including students and professionals—registered with the Embassy in Tehran or consulates in Shiraz and Mashhad.
Q2: How can families track evacuee status?
A: Via the MEA portal at mea.gov.in/evac-status.
Q3: When will operations conclude?
A: Evacuation flights will continue until all registered nationals—approximately 4,000—are safely repatriated.
