India successfully brought home 290 students from Iran under Operation Sindhu. The flight landed in New Delhi after Iran temporarily opened its airspace. The Iranian government made a special exception to help Indian students caught in the growing conflict in West Asia.
#OperationSindhu flight brings citizens home.
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 20, 2025
🇮🇳 evacuated 290 Indian nationals from Iran, including students and religious pilgrims by a charter flight. The flight arrived in New Delhi at 2330 hrs on 20 June and was received by Secretary (CPV& OIA) Arun Chatterjee.
Government… pic.twitter.com/ZORq0aeza5
Students Relocated Before Evacuation
Before the evacuation, authorities moved the students from Tehran to Mashhad. This decision came as Israeli airstrikes intensified in the Iranian capital. Most of the students were from Jammu and Kashmir. The evacuation flight took off on Friday night and was operated by Mahan Air.
Families Express Relief and Gratitude
After the students arrived, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association expressed their thanks. In a statement, they said, “Heartfelt thanks to the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs, and all concerned authorities for their timely intervention and support. A great relief for families who had been anxiously awaiting their return.”
Iran and India Coordinate More Evacuations
Meanwhile, Iran and India confirmed they will operate two more flights. Javed Hosseini, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi, told News18, “We are cooperating with India in the evacuation. Indian nationals were first moved to a safer place and then assisted with onward arrangements. Three Mahaan Air flights will bring them home.”
He added, “Airspace is closed, but a special exception has been made for Indian students.”
Earlier Evacuation via Armenia and Doha
Earlier this week, India evacuated 110 nationals using a different route. That group traveled through Armenia and Doha before landing in Delhi on Thursday. These operations came as Iran and Israel exchanged airstrikes in recent days.
More Students Arriving from Turkmenistan
Additionally, another group of 56 Indian students from Turkmenistan will land in India at 3 AM tomorrow. Authorities have routed the flight through Jeddah. This group includes 47 students from Uttar Pradesh, 5 from Gujarat, 3 from Delhi and 1 from Rajasthan.