Operation Sindhu: 2 flights with evacuees land in Delhi, chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'

Hundreds of Indians Return from Iran Under Operation Sindhu, Chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'

Two special flights carrying Indian citizens stranded in Iran safely landed in New Delhi under Operation Sindhu, India’s evacuation mission amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel. The first flight, with 290 Indians, touched down on Friday night, followed by another flight on Saturday morning. Emotional scenes unfolded at the Indira Gandhi International Airport as returnees chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Hindustan Zindabad,” expressing relief and gratitude.

Passengers included students, religious pilgrims, and other stranded citizens. Many shared their experiences of uncertainty in Iran and praised the swift response by Indian authorities.

Tazkiya Fatima from Noida described the war-like situation in Iran, saying, “We were scared, but the evacuation was smooth. I’m deeply thankful to the Indian government.”

Eliya Batool, another evacuee, said, “It’s hard to express how emotional this return is. Our families were worried, but the Indian government ensured our safety. We even stayed in a 5-star hotel during the wait.”

Maulana Mohammad Saeed acknowledged the Indian Embassy’s critical role, saying, “The evacuation was safe and well-organized.” Mir Mohammad Musharraf, from Pulwama, Kashmir, recalled how embassy help was vital after local support vanished in Tehran.

After Iran temporarily closed its airspace due to Israeli airstrikes on June 13, Operation Sindhu became necessary. Once Iran reopened air routes, India launched the evacuation using special IndiGo flights. The effort was led by Secretary (CPV & OIA) Arun Kumar Chatterjee, who received the passengers in Delhi.

Operation Sindhu reflects India’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad during international crises.