Operation Sindhu: India Safely Evacuates Over 500 Nationals from Iran Amid Tensions

Union Minister Piyush Goyal expressed his approval on Saturday for the safe return of Indian nationals who were evacuated from Iran as part of 'Operation Sindhu.' The rescue mission was initiated by the Indian government against the backdrop of growing tensions between Iran and Israel, aiming to bring stranded Indians home.

Goyal stressed the significance of dialogue in resolving conflicts while cautioning that terrorist activities will face robust retaliation. He stated, "As the Prime Minister reiterates, resolutions should come through dialogue. However, any terrorist actions will be met with an unequivocal response," he warned.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that 517 Indian nationals have returned under Operation Sindhu. A flight from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, reached New Delhi early on June 21, confirming the continuous efforts of the operation. The evacuation included students from Urmia Medical University, with the MEA establishing helplines and a control room to facilitate the process.

The operation was carried out with international cooperation, as noted by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who thanked the governments of Iran and Armenia for their assistance. The rescued students expressed gratitude toward the Indian government for their prompt evacuation.

Goyal spoke after celebrating the 11th International Yoga Day, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's role in popularizing yoga worldwide. A new group of Indians evacuated from Iran under Operation Sindhu arrived in Delhi, part of ongoing efforts to extricate citizens from conflict zones.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran orchestrated the students' safe travel, while the MEA ensured a secure journey home. One evacuee, Zaffar Abbas Naqvi, recounted the ordeal his family faced amid escalating conflict, offering thanks to the swift governmental response led by Prime Minister Modi.

(With inputs from agencies.)