India’s Operation Sindhu, launched to bring home nationals caught in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, has now taken on a broader humanitarian scope. Responding to formal requests from Nepal and Sri Lanka, New Delhi has agreed to evacuate their citizens alongside its own from the war-hit region.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran confirmed the expanded mandate in a statement issued on Saturday, stating, “On request of the Governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka, the Indian Embassy’s evacuation efforts in Iran will also cover Citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka.”
Emergency contact numbers were made available to both Nepalese and Sri Lankan nationals currently stranded in Iran.
The diplomatic outreach comes amid a rapidly deteriorating security situation in the region, following Israel’s sweeping air raids on Tehran under Operation Rising Lion, which targeted Iranian nuclear and military installations. In retaliation, Iran launched a wave of missile strikes, intensifying tensions and making civilian evacuation a logistical challenge.
Late on Friday, a special flight from Mashhad, Iran, landed safely at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, carrying 290 Indian students, most of whom hail from Jammu and Kashmir. Their return brought immense relief to families who had grown increasingly anxious as hostilities escalated.
Also read: 290 Indian students from Iran reach Delhi, 2 more flights due
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has remained in close coordination with regional missions to ensure the safety of its citizens. “All Indians are safe, and we continue to monitor the situation closely,” the Indian mission reiterated, reassuring the public as well as regional partners.
The Sri Lankan government, meanwhile, has come under pressure domestically, with opposition MPs staging a walkout in Parliament after a debate on the Israel-Iran conflict was reportedly blocked. In Kathmandu, Nepal’s government is also finalising rescue plans for its citizens, many of whom are engaged in medical or technical education in Iran.
India’s response has drawn commendation for its swift and inclusive approach. Efforts such as Operation Ganga (Ukraine) and Vande Bharat (Covid-19 pandemic) have demonstrated New Delhi’s commitment to not only safeguarding its own diaspora but also assisting friendly nations when requested.
The citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka may urgently reach out to the Embassy, either on the Telegram channel or over the emergency contact numbers. +989010144557; +989128109115; +989128109109
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