The first flight carrying 110 Indian students from conflict-torn Iran landed in New Delhi early Thursday, marking a significant step in India’s evacuation efforts under ‘Operation Sindhu.’ The students were initially moved from Tehran to Armenia by the Indian Embassy amid intensifying hostilities between Iran and Israel.
Emotional Reunions and Pleas for Help
At the airport, emotional scenes unfolded as anxious families reunited with their children. Haider Ali, father of 21-year-old MBBS student Maaz Haider, expressed relief but remained concerned. “We are happy the students have come back safely, but others are still in danger,” he said.
Parvez Alam from Bulandshahr, whose son studies in Urmia, shared the stress his family endured. “The situation turned serious recently. We thank the Indian government—they moved the students to Armenia and ensured their safety,” he told PTI.
Students Share Harrowing Experiences
The returning students recounted chilling moments of survival. “Missiles flew over us. Our neighbourhood was bombed. It felt like war,” said Mir Khalif, a medical student who returned on the flight.
Ali Akbar from Delhi recalled a terrifying incident on their way out: “We saw a missile and a drone crash. Tehran has been devastated. The news coverage is accurate, it’s really bad.”
Evacuation Efforts Ongoing
The Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for initiating the rescue. “We remain hopeful that all remaining students will be evacuated soon,” the association said in a statement.
Officials confirmed that relocation of remaining students to safer locations is underway, with more evacuation flights expected soon.
