Iran Opens Airspace for Indian Evacuation Amid Rising Tensions with Israel
Iran has opened its airspace to facilitate the evacuation of approximately 1,000 Indian students amid escalating tensions with Israel. The Indian government has initiated 'Operation Sindhu' to ensure the safety of its citizens following reports of injuries among students in Tehran. With flights arranged to bring students back home, the situation highlights the urgency of the evacuation amidst regional instability. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is prioritizing the safety of its nationals, with ongoing communication with Iranian authorities to manage the crisis effectively.
| Jun 20, 2025, 17:54 IST
Evacuation Efforts Underway for Indian Citizens
In a significant move, Iran has permitted the use of its airspace for the evacuation of Indian nationals, despite escalating tensions with Israel. Three major flights have been arranged to repatriate nearly 1,000 Indian students from Mashhad, with the first flight scheduled to land in Delhi tonight. This decision follows India's initiation of 'Operation Sindhu' aimed at safely extracting its citizens from Iran. The operation was prompted by the deteriorating situation in the region, where reports indicate that several Indian students may have been injured in an attack near a medical student hostel on Keshavarz Street in Tehran.
Communication with Iranian Authorities
Officials from the Iranian embassy in New Delhi have confirmed that their foreign ministry is in direct contact with the Indian mission in Tehran regarding the injured students. However, the Indian government has yet to release an official statement concerning the casualties. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the safety of Indian citizens abroad is of utmost importance. Currently, it is estimated that around 4,000 Indians reside in Iran, with a significant portion being students. On Tuesday, Indian officials assisted 110 students in crossing into Armenia from northern Iran. From there, they were escorted to Yerevan under the supervision of Indian diplomatic teams in both Tehran and Yerevan.
Details of the Evacuation Flights
A special flight carrying evacuated students departed from Yerevan at 2:55 PM on June 18 and is expected to arrive in New Delhi on the morning of June 19 as part of the initial phase of Operation Sindhu. India has expressed gratitude to both Iran and Armenia for their cooperation in facilitating the evacuation process. Amid the ongoing conflict in Iran, India is actively relocating its citizens from high-risk areas to safer locations.