India has started Operation Sindhu, a humanitarian effort to evacuate not only its own citizens but also those of Nepal and Sri Lanka from Iran amid the worsening conflict between Iran and Israel. Following official requests from the governments of Sri Lanka and Nepal, the Indian Embassy in Tehran announced the expansion of its mission.
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| Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi |
More than 500 Indians have already been evacuated through special flights and land routes thanks to the operation, which was started to protect Indian citizens as Israel launches missile strikes on Iran. Notably, despite limiting its airspace to most international carriers because of the ongoing hostilities, Iran allowed three evacuation flights from Mashhad to Delhi.
For assistance, Nepalese and Sri Lankan nationals living in Iran are encouraged to contact the Indian Embassy via a dedicated Telegram channel or emergency helplines (+98 9010144557, +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109). According to Nepal's Foreign Ministry, there are 16 Nepali nationals in Iran, five of whom are being held on immigration-related charges, and efforts are being made to secure their release. According to Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry, fewer than 100 nationals are still in Iran.
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| Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after being conferred with "Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana" from Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka |
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| Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Nepalese Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli |
Now in its ninth day, the conflict started on June 13 when Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion" against Iranian nuclear and military facilities, which prompted Iran to launch "Operation True Promise 3" in retaliation. India is commended for its diplomatic leadership in crisis response, and this initiative highlights regional solidarity.