New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Iran has granted exclusive airspace access to India for the evacuation of its nationals, primarily students, caught in the midst of escalating military tensions between Iran and Israel. Amid a region-wide closure of air routes due to persistent missile strikes and aerial threats, this exception underscores the strong humanitarian ties and longstanding bilateral relationship between India and Iran.
The evacuation operation, titled Operation Sindhu, saw its first success late Thursday night when a special flight carrying 110 Indian students landed safely at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. These students, many of whom were studying in northern Iranian cities such as Mashhad and Urmia, were first moved via road to Yerevan, Armenia, before being flown back to India. The long and tense journey was orchestrated in coordination with Indian embassies in both Iran and Armenia, ensuring a safe and efficient extraction from the conflict zone.
Reports confirm that more than 4,000 Indian citizens are currently residing in Iran, including a substantial number of students. Among those on the first rescue flight were nearly 90 students from Jammu and Kashmir, according to the Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association. Students recounted the distress of living amid sirens, drone alerts, and the constant fear of bombardment. Some witnessed attacks near their hostels and academic campuses, prompting urgent pleas for rescue.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated that the safety of its citizens abroad remains a top priority. Officials confirmed that two more evacuation flights are scheduled to arrive in India on Saturday, with one in the early morning and another in the evening, depending on airspace clearance and safe travel corridors.
The operation has been made possible by Iran’s decision to temporarily lift airspace restrictions exclusively for India allowing the country to carry out this humanitarian mission. Armenian authorities also played a pivotal role by providing a safe transit route through their territory, helping Indian nationals exit the danger zone by land before boarding the aircraft.
This development highlights not only the logistical challenges of evacuating citizens during wartime but also the effectiveness of India’s diplomatic channels and crisis response mechanisms. The government has extended its gratitude to both Iran and Armenia for their timely cooperation and humanitarian support, while also assuring that efforts will continue to repatriate the remaining citizens trapped in the conflict-affected areas.
As Operation Sindhu progresses, it stands as a testament to India’s commitment to protect its diaspora in times of global unrest and reinforces the necessity of global cooperation during humanitarian crises.