A group of 290 Indian students safely landed in New Delhi after Iran temporarily opened its airspace to allow their evacuation as part of India’s Operation Sindhu. This humanitarian gesture was made specifically for Indian students caught in the growing conflict in West Asia, with Iran cooperating closely with Indian authorities to ensure their return.
Students Moved from Tehran to Mashhad for Safety
Most of the evacuated students were from Jammu and Kashmir. As the situation worsened in Tehran due to increased Israeli airstrikes, they were first shifted to Mashhad, a safer city, before being flown home. The evacuation flight on Friday night was operated by Iran’s Mahan Air.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association expressed its gratitude in an official statement, “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.”
More Flights Planned to Bring Students Home
This was the first of three flights arranged jointly by India and Iran to evacuate Indian students from the conflict zone. According to Javed Hosseini, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi, “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 further stated, “Airspace is closed, but a special exception has been made for Indian students.”
Evacuation Amid Ongoing Conflict
These evacuation efforts follow days of heavy fighting and aerial strikes exchanged between Iran and Israel. Before the current flight, 110 Indian nationals had already been brought back via a route passing through Armenia and Doha.
More Students Returning from Turkmenistan
Another special private flight is expected to land in India tomorrow at 3 AM, bringing back 56 Indian students from Turkmenistan, routed through Jeddah. These students belong to different states, including 47 from Uttar Pradesh, 5 from Gujarat, 3 from Delhi, and 1 from Rajasthan.
