Operation Sindhu 2025: A Lifesaving Mission

Operation Sindhu is a large-scale humanitarian evacuation mission launched by India's Ministry of External Affairs on June 18, 2025, in response to the Israel–Iran war that erupted after Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets began on June 13. It specifically focuses on evacuating Indian nationals stranded in Iran.

What is Operation Sindhu?

Operation Sindhu is a humanitarian evacuation mission launched by the Government of India in June 2025 to rescue its citizens stranded in Iran, following the rapid escalation of hostilities between Iran and Israel. Named after the ancient and culturally significant Sindhu (Indus) River, the operation symbolizes India's commitment to safeguarding its people, even in the most volatile global situations.

Thousands of Indian workers, students, and families were in danger as a result of escalating airstrikes and border conflicts amid a rapidly worsening geopolitical environment, especially in the conflict zones close to the Persian Gulf.

Why was Operation Sindhu launched?

Operation Sindhu is important for several key reasons, both humanitarian and strategic:

Tensions between regional powers in West Asia had escalated into full-blown conflict, with airspace restrictions, bombings, and a total shutdown of civil transport in affected areas. Over 15,000 Indian nationals, many of whom work in sectors such as oil and gas, construction, healthcare, and education, were trapped without resources or a clear way out.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in coordination with the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Air Force (IAF), swiftly activated emergency protocols to begin the evacuation.

Number of Indians Rescued

As of June 23, 2025, 1,713 Indian nationals have been safely evacuated from Iran under Operation Sindhu. The Indian Air Force and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) coordinated several flights to carry out the evacuations. India's strong commitment to international citizen safety is demonstrated by the additional evacuation flights that are planned.

Execution and Strategy

Operation Sindhu was conducted in multiple phases and involved a combination of air and sea routes for evacuation:

• Air Evacuations: The Indian Air Force deployed C-17 Globemasters, C-130J Super Hercules, and commercial aircraft under emergency contracts to airlift citizens from safer airstrips in nearby countries like Oman and the UAE.

• Naval Deployment: INS Kolkata, INS Sumitra, and other naval ships from the Indian Navy were dispatched to coastal ports in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf to rescue stranded Indians via maritime routes.

• Land Coordination: Indian embassies worked closely with neighboring countries to facilitate safe border crossings and transit visas.

Public and International Reaction

The operation was well received both at home and abroad. Families of those who were saved commended the prompt action. The UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia were among the nations that actively collaborated, demonstrating goodwill and bolstering India's connections within the Gulf.

conclusion

Operation Sindhu 2025 served as a reminder of India's steadfast dedication to its people across all geographic borders. It was more than a simple rescue effort; it was a statement of the country's expanding international clout, strategic readiness, and humanitarian principles. India stood tall in front of the world, demonstrating once more that no citizen is left behind.