SRINAGAR: Amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, has launched ‘Operation Sindhu’ to evacuate stranded Indian nationals. In an official statement, the GoI said that in view of the deteriorating situation as a result of the conflict, steps have been taken over the past several days to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran.
As part of the first phase of the operation, the Indian Embassy evacuated 110 Indian students from northern Iran, helping them safely cross into Armenia on June 17. The students travelled by road to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, under the supervision of the Indian missions in Iran and Armenia. They departed Yerevan on a special flight on June 18 and are expected to arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of June 19.
The Government of India appreciated the support extended by the Governments of Iran and Armenia for smooth facilitation of the evacuation process. It reaffirmed that India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of its nationals abroad. The Indian Embassy in Iran is assisting Indian nationals in moving from areas experiencing hostilities to relatively safer zones and is preparing for further evacuations using all feasible options.
The Government has advised Indian nationals in Iran to remain in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and the 24×7 Control Room set up by the MEA in New Delhi. Emergency helpline numbers issued by the Embassy in Tehran include +98 9128109115 and +98 9128109109 for calls, and +98 901044557, +98 9015993320, and +91 8086871709 for WhatsApp. Additional regional contacts include Bandar Abbas: +98 9177699036 and Zahedan: +98 9396356649. Email contact is available at cons.tehran@mea.gov.in. The MEA’s 24×7 Control Room in New Delhi can be reached through the toll-free number 800118797 and landlines +91-11-23012113, +91-11-23014104, and +91-11-23017905. WhatsApp contact is available at +91-9968291988, and email at situationroom@mea.gov.in.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) said that at least 90 students from Kashmir studying in Iran crossed the border into Armenia on Tuesday and boarded a flight to India on Wednesday. The association added that nearly 20 other students from various Indian states also reached Yerevan. According to JKSA, all 110 students, primarily from Urmia Medical University, have now safely arrived in the Armenian capital. (KNO)
