Operation Sindhu

21.06.2025

Operation Sindhu

Context:

In June 2025, India launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian citizens, especially students, from Iran amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran.

About the News:

• India launched a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) from Iran.
• Over 4,000 Indian nationals were estimated to be in Iran.
• The first group of 110 evacuees, mostly students, returned via Armenia.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) coordinated the evacuation effort.

Operational Difficulties Faced

1. Infrastructure Damage: Israeli airstrikes in Iran severely affected hospitals and road systems.
2. Diplomatic Limitations: Turkey and Azerbaijan were not fully cooperative with India’s evacuation plans.
3. Resource Scarcity: Many evacuees experienced shortages of food, water, and essential medical supplies.
4. Medical Emergencies: Some injured evacuees lacked timely access to healthcare facilities due to system breakdowns.
    

Recommended Strategic Measures

1. Diplomatic Preparedness: Build stronger partnerships with border nations like Armenia for evacuation corridors.
2. Technology Integration: Set up real-time monitoring platforms for Indian citizens abroad to aid rapid coordination.
3. Crisis Protocol Development: Develop standard evacuation protocols for conflict-prone regions like the Middle East.
4. Capacity Building: Enhance emergency-response capabilities of Indian embassies in unstable countries.

Conclusion:

Operation Sindhu reinforced India's policy of prioritizing citizens’ safety abroad through fast, organized evacuations, despite diplomatic and logistical hurdles in a conflict-prone region.