As tensions intensify in the Middle East with fears of a full-blown war between Israel and Iran, India has swung into action to ensure the safety of its citizens. After days of delicate diplomacy and backchannel efforts, Iran has agreed to open its airspace to allow Indians to be flown out safely. The first flights are landing in India today.
Behind the headlines are real people—students, workers, families—many of whom have spent sleepless nights watching the skies light up with explosions and praying for a way out. Around 1,000 Indian nationals have been moved to the northeastern city of Mashhad, far from the areas seeing heightened conflict. From there, Indian authorities have organized their return through air corridors arranged with the help of Iran and Turkmenistan.
Three flights operated by Iranian carrier Mahan Air have been arranged for the evacuation. Two of these flights—one from Mashhad and another from Ashgabat in Turkmenistan—are set to arrive in India between Friday night and Saturday morning.
India’s diplomatic outreach hasn’t been easy. With strained or sensitive relationships with countries like Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan, India had to rely on trusted regional partners like Armenia, Turkmenistan, and Iraq to make the evacuations possible.
Iran’s Deputy Chief of Mission in India, Mohammad Javad Hosseini, confirmed the joint efforts. “This was a coordinated effort with Indian and Iranian officials working closely. Indian nationals were moved from Tehran to Qom and finally to Mashhad,” he said.
Some Indian students have reportedly sustained minor injuries during nearby attacks. Iranian authorities are working closely with the Indian Embassy to ensure medical attention and safety for all affected.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement affirming that the “safety and security of Indian nationals abroad is of the highest priority.” It added that the government is deeply grateful to Iran and Armenia for facilitating the smooth evacuation under “Operation Sindhu.”
So far, over 4,000 Indians live in Iran, and nearly half are students. Their evacuation is not just a logistical challenge, but an emotional one. For families back home, every call answered by their loved ones has been a lifeline.
Earlier this week, India advised its citizens to leave Tehran. Emergency helplines have been set up both in Iran and in Delhi, with the Indian Embassy in Tehran working 24/7 to coordinate efforts.
India has also started looking at evacuation options from Israel as the situation deteriorates further.
Globally, other nations are also taking action. Greece evacuated its nationals by land to Azerbaijan. France is organizing a convoy to the Turkish and Armenian borders. New Zealand closed its Tehran embassy and moved staff to safety. South Korea, Bulgaria, and others have followed suit.
With regional politics playing a significant role in every move, India is now walking a tightrope—leveraging every friendly tie and diplomatic window to bring its people home safely before the conflict worsens.
This is more than just a news story. It’s about the anxious students pacing dormitory halls, the parents back in India who haven’t slept in days, and the quiet heroism of diplomats working around the clock in high-stakes negotiations.
Their safe return is a testament to human resilience, cooperation, and the quiet strength of those working behind the scenes.
Emergency Contacts for Indian Nationals in Iran:
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India Control Room (24×7): 1800118797, +91-11-23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905, +91-9968291988 (WhatsApp), Email: situationroom@mea.gov.in
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Embassy of India in Tehran (24×7):
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Calls: +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109
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WhatsApp: +98 901044557, +98 9015993320, +91 8086871709
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Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in
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Regional contacts: Bandar Abbas – +98 9177699036, Zahedan – +98 9396356649
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Stay connected. Stay safe.
