New Delhi, June 21, 2025 – As tensions escalate in the Middle East, another group of 256 Indian students stranded in Iran arrived safely in Delhi on Friday under the ongoing Operation Sindhu evacuation mission.
This marks the second successful flight under the Government of India’s emergency evacuation operation, which was launched in response to the deteriorating security situation amid the Israel-Iran conflict. Officials confirmed that the special Air India flight touched down at Indira Gandhi International Airport around 4:30 AM, carrying students from universities across Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz.
Ministry of External Affairs officials and medical teams were present at the airport to receive the returnees, who expressed relief and gratitude after days of uncertainty.
The students were subjected to medical checkups and briefed by officials before being escorted to their hometowns. Many recounted the frightening experience of air raid sirens and power outages in Iranian cities as regional hostilities grew.
India’s evacuation initiative has been intensified after a formal advisory urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the region. More flights are expected to follow in the coming days as coordination continues between Indian embassies and Iranian authorities.
Operation Sindhu was launched earlier this week under direct instructions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized the safety of Indian nationals abroad as a top priority. The total number of Indians evacuated from Iran has now crossed 750.
