As missiles lit up Iranian skies and the spectre of war loomed larger with each passing day, over 100 Indian students—many in their final years of medical school—were quietly and swiftly brought home by the Indian government under the newly launched ‘Operation Sindhu.’ This wasn’t just a rescue mission; it was a demonstration of what it means to act decisively in the face of crisis, and more importantly, to never leave your own behind.
Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated dramatically, making it one of the most volatile regions on the planet. In that chaos, India mounted a complex, multi-leg evacuation across international borders. Coordinated by the Indian Embassy in Tehran and executed through Armenia, the students were driven out of Iran and flown back home to New Delhi, landing in the early hours of Thursday.
Some had witnessed missiles pass over their dorm windows. Others endured the deafening sound of drones and air raids. All of them carried one thing back: immense gratitude.
Terror in the Dorms: Students Speak Out
For Mariam Roz, the journey was both physical and emotional. “We are travelling for three days, so we are tired… We would see missiles from the windows of our dorm.” Another student echoed the sentiment: “I cannot express in words how happy I am to be finally able to meet my family… War is not a good thing. It kills humanity.”
Yasir Gaffar, another medical student, recalled the surreal horror of hearing missiles shriek overhead: “I haven’t given up on my dreams… When the situation improves, we will return to Iran.”
And yet, despite the trauma, not one student spoke with bitterness. There was fear, yes, but also relief. And above all, a belief that they had not been abandoned.
Operation Sindhu: Strategy, Speed, and Sensitivity
Announced amid increasing hostilities between Israel and Iran, Operation Sindhu wasn’t a dramatic military-style airlift like some past evacuations. It was quiet, fast, and deliberate—less spectacle, more precision. Students were moved by road to Yerevan, Armenia—a seven-hour journey for some. From there, they were flown to India on a special flight coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs.
In many ways, the operation reflects India’s maturing diplomatic muscle. The Indian government did not wait for full-scale conflict to erupt. Instead, it acted on signals, moved quickly, and communicated clearly. The MEA’s preparedness, alongside its local diplomatic presence, ensured the transition was not only safe but also timely.
Back Home, But Not All Are Safe Yet
Even as some students returned, thousands remain in Iran, including over 10,000 Indian medical students. Many families in India continue to live in a state of emotional suspension.
In Bengaluru, the parents of Fareehy Mehdi, a medical student in Tehran, described how a blast occurred close to her dorm just days before they lost touch. “My daughter does not know how to survive in war-like situations. She is panicking,” said her mother, Shabana, her voice cracking.
They have since heard that Fareehy may have been moved to a safer location. But the details are murky—kept confidential for security. Internet connections remain unstable. Communication is reduced to intermittent WhatsApp texts. And the wait for thousands of families, unbearable.
Still, there is hope. The first flight has landed. The mechanism is in motion. More will come.
A Lesson in Diplomacy, Humanity, and Resolve
What Operation Sindhu demonstrates is that a nation’s power isn’t just about the size of its economy or its military arsenal. It’s about the values it upholds when its citizens are at risk. India’s swift response, meticulous execution, and lack of political chest-thumping show that effective governance is often quiet, humane, and deeply strategic.
In a world where conflict is increasingly complex, India is showing that the business of saving lives still comes first.
