As the conflict between Iran and Israel rages on, India has intensified its efforts to bring back its stranded citizens from the war-hit region. A special rescue flight carrying 311 Indian nationals from Mashhad, Iran, landed safely in New Delhi on Sunday, marking the latest successful mission under Operation Sindhu. With this latest arrival, the total number of Indian nationals evacuated from Iran now stands at 1,428.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on social media platform X, “#OperationSindhu continues. 311 Indian nationals arrived in New Delhi on a special flight from Mashhad at 1630 hrs on 22nd June. 1,428 Indian nationals have now been evacuated from Iran.”
#OperationSindhu continues.
311 Indian nationals arrived in New Delhi on a special flight from Mashhad at 1630 hrs on 22nd June.
1428 Indian nationals have now been evacuated from Iran. pic.twitter.com/pJMaNhnQIg
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 22, 2025
Operation Sindhu, launched by the Indian government in mid-June, has emerged as a critical lifeline for Indians caught in the crossfire of escalating hostilities between the two Middle Eastern powers.
Tensions have sharply escalated since June 13, when Israel launched a wave of coordinated airstrikes on key Iranian military and nuclear facilities located near Tehran and Isfahan. Israel has termed the strikes a “preemptive operation” to neutralize what it alleges is Iran’s advancing nuclear weapons program.
In retaliation, Iran initiated “Operation True Promise 3,” led by the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Iranian offensive targeted Israeli energy and fuel infrastructure, significantly heightening fears of a prolonged regional war.
As the conflict enters its second week, waves of missile strikes, drone attacks, and retaliatory operations continue to endanger civilians and disrupt regional stability. With over a thousand Indian nationals already evacuated, the Indian government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and swift repatriation of all its citizens still stranded in affected areas.
The Indian Embassy in Iran remains in constant touch with nationals across the country, providing logistical support and coordination for further evacuations. The government has also set up emergency helplines and urged all Indians in Iran to stay in contact with the embassy and follow official advisories.
