India faces tough choices after it postponed its first evacuation flight from Israel. The US has bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities, disrupting Operation Sindhu. India had already sent back four evacuation flights from Iran. It was going to bring out students in Israel shortly.
Now, that operation is on hold. This postponement underlines additional risks associated with US intervention. The Indian government now deals with a fast-changing crisis.
Operation Sindhu Under Way
India commenced Operation Sindhu on June 18 to evacuate citizens from Iran and Israel in the Middle East conflict. Four flights so far have returned hundreds of Indian students from Iran. The first took 110 students through Armenia to Delhi on June 19. 827 Indians have so far returned home as of June 21.
India also evacuated Nepalese and Sri Lankans under the same operation. Several more are still in Iran—about 1,100 have requested evacuation assistance.
US Strike Throws Evacuation into Disarray
On June 22, the US bombed Iran’s Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear facilities with bunker-buster bombs to impede nuclear development. The bombing created international shock and made India delay its first evacuation flight from Israel.
India previously declared that it would start evacuating Israelis from Israel this week. But the US action caused it to stop. Authorities now evaluate if it’s safe to continue. The delay creates unease among Indian workers and students in Israel.
National Safety Remains Top Priority
The MEA has renewed its pledge for citizen security. It advised Indian citizens in Israel to utilize embassy helplines and register online. Delhi also keeps its Operation Sindhu initiative running in Iran. Additional flights are to be sent to evacuees from Turkmenistan through Ashgabat. The government is working in liaison with Iran to arrange safe passage as well as to open airspace.
This abrupt US military intervention complicates the situation. India has to balance evacuation planning with geopolitical considerations. The US strikes may heighten Iran-Israel tensions. Escalation will raise danger to Indian citizens in the region. The delay highlights how conflicts overseas can spill over into evacuation schedules.
Way Forward for India
India now has a delicate operation on its hands. Authorities need to keep a close eye on local developments. They need unambiguous security analyses before rearranging the Israel evacuation.
Meanwhile, they have to maintain the pace in Iran—and keep assisting stranded citizens. Delays are devastating for students and families. Clear and prompt communication will be crucial. India needs to hedge between prudence and determination. In doing this, it has to make sure that no citizen gets left behind as diplomatic storms rage across the Middle East.