New Delhi: As the geopolitical tempest between Iran and Israel continues to rage, casting a pall over the Middle East, India is meticulously navigating a complex and multi-faceted operation to shepherd its citizens to safety from both embattled nations. Diplomatic channels are working tirelessly alongside logistical efforts to facilitate the swift repatriation of Indian nationals caught in the escalating crossfire.
From the heart of Iran, approximately 100 Indian citizens have successfully embarked on a perilous overland journey, transiting through Armenia to escape the immediate zone of conflict. This intricate maneuver was made possible following direct appeals from India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, to his Iranian counterpart, emphasizing the urgent need for secure passage, particularly for stranded Indian students. Tehran has, in turn, signaled alternative land routes through Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan, necessitated by the closure of Iranian airspace. This dire situation was tragically underscored by recent reports of two Indian students sustaining injuries during an attack within the Iranian capital, Tehran, a stark reminder of the perils facing civilians.
Concurrently, a far more expansive undertaking is underway in Israel. Efforts are concentrated on extracting an estimated 25,000 Indian nationals from Tel Aviv, with plans to facilitate their transit via the Jordanian and Egyptian land borders. The Indian embassy in Israel is working in close coordination with Israeli Defense Ministry officials, who have pledged their full cooperation in this critical humanitarian endeavor, especially given the current closure of Israeli airspace.
The backdrop to these intricate evacuation missions remains profoundly volatile. Latest reports indicate a dramatic surge in hostilities, with Israel having reportedly unleashed a major airstrike on Tehran, following earlier warnings for residents to evacuate. Iranian media sources confirm that these bombardments targeted military installations within the capital, triggering a series of powerful explosions across eastern and western sectors of the city. Unconfirmed reports suggest a grim toll of 45 fatalities and over 100 injured. The immediate aftermath saw the closure of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, a further sign of the deepening international concern over the unyielding conflagration.