Operation Sindhu: India Evacuates Over 4,200 Citizens from Iran and Israel via Mashhad, Mumbai, Tel Aviv & Trivandrum
When Diplomacy Takes Flight
As the winds of conflict swept across West Asia in June 2025, with tensions flaring between Iran and Israel and the threat of a wider regional war looming large, India activated one of its most ambitious civilian rescue operations in recent memory. Dubbed “Operation Sindhu”, the mission was conceived as a rapid-response humanitarian effort to bring Indian nationals trapped in escalating war zones safely back home.
Over 4,200 Indian citizens, including students, professionals, pilgrims, and tourists, were airlifted from cities like Mashhad and Tel Aviv to Mumbai, Trivandrum, and other Indian destinations. What made this mission particularly complex was not just the scale, but the geopolitical minefield in which it was executed. Airspace closures, missile threats, diplomatic hesitations, and last-mile coordination all had to be overcome, often in real-time.
This wasn’t just an evacuation—it was a triumph of logistics, diplomacy, and national resolve.
The First Spark – How Operation Sindhu Was Triggered
The origin of Operation Sindhu lies in a series of escalating military strikes between Israel and Iran that began in early June. As tensions mounted following a direct missile exchange, intelligence reports warned of unpredictable regional spillovers. Commercial air routes were disrupted. Embassies issued advisories. Panic began to set in.
By June 18, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) received alarming updates:
- Over 2,800 Indian pilgrims were in Iran, especially around religious cities like Mashhad and Qom.
- Around 1,400 Indian citizens were living or working in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
- Multiple students and medical interns were stuck without visa renewals or outbound tickets.
The MEA, in coordination with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), activated Operation Sindhu with immediate effect. Air India and Indian Air Force aircraft were placed on standby, and diplomatic channels across Tehran, Tel Aviv, Washington, and New Delhi began buzzing.
Building the Air Corridor – Negotiating Through Conflict
One of the earliest challenges was securing safe air corridors. Iran had already restricted parts of its western airspace. Israel was under partial lockdown, and regional air defense systems were on high alert.
India’s diplomats pulled off a feat of quiet coordination. Through neutral countries like Oman and Switzerland, emergency communication was established with both sides. Iran agreed to open a humanitarian airspace corridor from Mashhad to Mumbai, provided Indian flights stayed eastward. Israel allowed a limited civilian exit corridor via Tel Aviv with strict timing and flight clearance restrictions.
The Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster aircraft, known for its long-range and heavy-lift capacity, was deployed alongside chartered Air India flights. All aircraft were equipped with defensive flares and pre-approved flight plans monitored by ground control units.
From Mashhad to Mumbai – Evacuating Pilgrims and Families
The first leg of Operation Sindhu began in Mashhad, a holy city visited by thousands of Indian Shia Muslims annually. When the conflict began, many pilgrims found themselves trapped in hotels and religious complexes, some without travel papers or guidance.
A temporary Indian Facilitation Centre was set up inside the Consulate General’s office. Officials worked round the clock:
- Verifying identities
- Coordinating transportation from shrines to the airport
- Issuing emergency documentation
On June 20, the first Air India evacuation flight carrying 240 passengers took off from Mashhad, touching down in Mumbai to a visibly emotional reception. Over the next four days, nine flights from Mashhad to Mumbai and Trivandrum carried more than 2,800 individuals, including children and the elderly.
Every flight was supported by onboard paramedics, multilingual liaison officers, and care kits arranged by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
Tel Aviv to Trivandrum – Navigating Hostile Airspace
The Tel Aviv evacuation posed greater danger. Multiple reports had emerged of drone incursions and potential rocket attacks targeting Ben Gurion Airport. Yet, India persisted. Working with Israeli civilian authorities and military, a three-day evacuation window was negotiated.
Unlike Mashhad, Tel Aviv saw a diverse evacuation mix:
- Software professionals
- Students enrolled in technology and medical courses
- Nurses, caregivers, and their families
- Indian-origin Jews holding OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status
On June 21, the first Air India Dreamliner lifted off with 318 passengers, its engines roaring amid heightened alert. The flight path involved an evasive southwest route, re-entering Indian airspace via the Arabian Sea and finally landing in Trivandrum.
By June 24, over 10 flights had departed Tel Aviv, with more staged through Amman, Jordan for safety.
Ground Operations in India – After Evacuation Comes Care
Once back on Indian soil, evacuees were directed to Operation Sindhu Care Centres set up in:
- Mumbai International Airport (T2 Terminal)
- Trivandrum Domestic Arrivals Hall
- Delhi and Ahmedabad transit units for OCI returnees
Here, the evacuees received:
- Medical screening
- Psychological counseling
- Assistance with onward travel
- SIM cards and emergency helpline access
- Reunification support for families
In one case, a 16-year-old boy from Telangana, traveling alone from Iran, was reunited with his uncle after MEA officials traced his Aadhaar card and arranged a secure escort.
This was not just about flying people back—it was about restoring dignity and normalcy after trauma.
A Nation’s Promise Kept
Operation Sindhu is a powerful reminder that the Indian state’s responsibility does not end at its borders. In the face of conflict, confusion, and chaos, it showcased how rapid diplomacy, logistical precision, and a people-first approach can create miracles.
With over 4,200 citizens now safely home and the evacuation praised by international observers, India has once again reaffirmed its position as a leader in citizen protection during global crises.
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