
New Delhi [India], June 21 (ANI): As part of Operation Sindhu, the Indian government has successfully evacuated 827 Indian nationals from conflict-stricken Iran, with the latest evacuation flight from Mashhad carrying 310 citizens arriving in New Delhi on Saturday.
The operation, led by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), has provided much-needed relief to Indian students, pilgrims, and workers caught in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, which has now entered its ninth day.
Sharing images of the latest arrival, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, “Another evacuation flight from Mashhad landed in New Delhi at 1630 hrs on 21 June with 310 Indian nationals from Iran. With this, a total of 827 Indians have been evacuated.“
Evacuees recounted the frightening conditions in Iran and expressed deep gratitude for the government’s swift action.
Nadeem Asgar, one of the evacuees, said, “I am thankful to my nation for keeping us safe there and bringing us back safely. As soon as the situation went south, we were evacuated by the embassy.”
Farzana Abdi described the chaos they witnessed: “There was a lot of fighting and missiles there. The Indian embassy helped us a lot and brought us here. We are very happy to be back in India. India is the best.“
Riyazul Hasan recounted watching missiles from his hotel window being intercepted in mid-air. “We are relieved to be back. We thank PM Modi and the embassy for their help.”
Fatima said, “I am very grateful to PM Modi. Now I feel at peace after coming back to my country. Being back in your homeland is a matter of great joy.“
Almas Rizvi praised the Indian Embassy’s care: “We were given accommodation in a good hotel and meals on time. The embassy and the Indian government ensured we didn’t feel we were living in a war-like situation.“
Daniya summed up the collective relief, “We were terrified. The situation was very dire in Tehran. I thank the Indian embassy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the bottom of my heart.“
The evacuation comes as the region faces growing instability. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that a centrifuge manufacturing workshop in central Iran had been struck in a recent Israeli attack—the third nuclear-related site hit since June 13. While no nuclear material was present at the site, Grossi warned of the potential consequences if attacks continue.
Though Grossi stated on Friday that the IAEA has no evidence that Iran is actively pursuing nuclear weapons, Israel has intensified its military campaign, targeting nuclear infrastructure, military installations, and top Iranian officials.
According to Al Jazeera, 450 ballistic missiles and over 400 drones have been fired from Iran since the conflict began. Israel’s military has warned its citizens to prepare for a prolonged campaign, indicating the situation may further escalate.
Operation Sindhu continues, with Indian authorities coordinating closely with regional partners to ensure the safety of all citizens still in Iran. (ANI)