Operation Sindhu’s Second Lifeline: 517 Indians Safely Repatriated from Iran

India’s Operation Sindhu reached another milestone on June 21, as the second charter flight touched down in New Delhi around 3 AM, returning students, pilgrims and other stranded citizens from Iran via Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. With this successful landing, a total of 517 Indians have now been evacuated, following the initial rescue of 110 students via Armenia and Qatar earlier this week, under challenging airspace restrictions imposed by the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal lauded Iran’s cooperation in lifting its airspace ban and emphasized India’s commitment to the safety of its nationals. Emotional reunions unfolded at the airport, with chants of “Vande Mataram” resonating through the terminal as evacuees expressed immense relief and gratitude to the Indian Embassy and its government for the swift and meticulously coordinated operation.