1. Free Current Affairs Total (CAT) Monthly Magazine

2. Register for Upcoming Batch on 20-06-2025 Last 3 Seats

7900-44-7900

ensureias@gmail.com

Operation Sindhu: India Begins Evacuation from Conflict-Hit Iran

Operation Sindhu: India Begins Evacuation from Conflict-Hit Iran

19-06-2025

Why in the News?
 

  1. India has started ‘Operation Sindhu’ to bring back Indian citizens stuck in Iran.
  2. This is happening because of increasing tension and military threats involving Israel, the U.S., and Iran.
  3. The situation in Iran has become unsafe, especially due to the Iran-Israel conflict.
  4. Some Indian students in Iran have already been injured in recent attacks.
  5. The Indian government launched this mission to protect and evacuate its citizens quickly.

Key Highlights:
 

  1. Launch of Operation Sindhu: Announced on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran.
  2. Initial Evacuation:
    1. 110 Indian students were successfully evacuated from northern Iran to Armenia on 17 June 2025.
    2. These students travelled by road to Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, under the guidance of Indian missions in Iran and Armenia.
    3. A special flight carrying the first 100 students departed Yerevan on 18 June 2025 and was expected to reach New Delhi in the early hours of 19 June.
  3. Indian Government's Statement:
    1. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) cited “deteriorating situation” due to the Iran-Israel conflict as the reason for the evacuation.
    2. The MEA expressed gratitude towards the governments of Iran and Armenia for facilitating the evacuation.
  4. Injuries Reported:
    1. Some Indian students have been injured in a strike, as confirmed by Iranian embassy officials.
    2. The Iranian Foreign Ministry is in close contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran.

About Iran-Israel Conflict:

  1. Long-standing Hostility:
    1. Iran and Israel have had hostile relations since the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
    2. Iran does not recognise Israel as a country and supports groups that oppose Israel.
  2. Nuclear Tensions:
    1. Israel is worried about Iran’s nuclear program and fears Iran might develop nuclear weapons.
    2. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but many countries remain suspicious.
  3. Support to Militant Groups:
    1. Iran supports armed groups like Hezbollah (in Lebanon) and Hamas (in Gaza), which are enemies of Israel.
    2. Israel sees these groups as a direct threat to its security.
  4. Military Strikes & Proxy Wars:
    1. Israel has often carried out airstrikes in Syria to target Iranian forces and weapons meant for Hezbollah.
    2. Iran uses proxy forces (local militant groups) in various countries to increase its influence and target Israel indirectly.
  5. Recent Escalations (2024-2025):
    1. In recent months, tensions have worsened due to attacks involving Hamas and Israel in Gaza.
    2. Iran is believed to support these attacks, leading to rising fears of a direct conflict between Iran and Israel.
  6. Risk of Regional War:
    1. There is growing concern that this conflict could pull in other countries, including the U.S., leading to a larger regional war in the Middle East.

 

 

Challenges and Way Forward:

Challenges

Way Forward

1. Escalating conflict in West Asia puts Indian nationals at risk.

Strengthen early warning systems and monitor conflict zones closely.

2. Difficulty in safe evacuation due to airstrikes and road insecurity.

Plan multi-route evacuations using neighboring countries like Armenia.

3. Injuries and medical needs of Indian citizens during strikes.

Arrange for medical teams and emergency aid at evacuation points.

4. Diplomatic complexity in dealing with both Iran and Israel.

Maintain balanced diplomacy and coordinate with all parties involved.

5. Difficulty in contacting Indian citizens stuck in dangerous areas.

Set up dedicated helpdesks, emergency phone lines, and mobile tracking systems.

6. Possibility of regional war involving global powers.

Prepare contingency plans for large-scale evacuation and refugee support.

 

Conclusion:
 

Operation Sindhu reflects India’s proactive foreign policy approach and commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad during global crises. The successful coordination among Indian missions and foreign governments showcases strong diplomatic channels. However, with rising geopolitical tensions, sustained efforts, and strategic foresight are crucial to ensure the safety of all Indians in conflict-prone regions.

EnsureIAS Mains Question:

In the wake of escalating tensions in West Asia, critically examine the significance of evacuation missions like Operation Sindhu in safeguarding Indian nationals abroad. How do such missions reflect India’s foreign policy priorities and diplomatic preparedness? (250 Words)

 

EnsureIAS Prelims Question:

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Operation Sindhu:

  1. It is an Indian military operation launched to conduct airstrikes in Iran.
  2. The operation was initiated to evacuate Indian nationals amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel.
  3. Armenia played a role in facilitating the evacuation process.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

 

Answer: b

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Operation Sindhu is not a military strike, but a humanitarian evacuation mission launched by India.

Statement 2 is correct: The operation was started due to rising tensions between Iran and Israel, putting Indian nationals at risk.

Statement 3 is correct: Armenia helped in the evacuation by allowing Indian students to cross into its territory and depart from Yerevan.

 

Democracy Demands Clarity: Onus on the Election Commission

Operation Sindhu: India Begins Evacuation from Conflict-Hit Iran

Revising GDP Base Year