India Launches Evacuation of Citizens from Israel Amid Iran Conflict Escalation
India on Thursday announced it will evacuate its nationals stranded in Israel as the Iran-Israel conflict enters its seventh day, extending its ongoing ‘Operation Sindhu’ that successfully brought over 100 Indians home from Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said evacuation will be facilitated through land borders and air routes for citizens who wish to leave Israel.
The announcement comes a day after over 100 Indian nationals, including 90 students from Jammu and Kashmir, safely returned to India from Iran via Armenia under Operation Sindhu. The government’s swift action reflects its commitment to citizen safety amid escalating Middle East tensions.
According to the MEA statement, Indian nationals’ travel from Israel to India will be facilitated through land borders and thereafter by air. The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv will coordinate the evacuation operations under the expanded Operation Sindhu framework.
Israeli envoy Reuven Azar confirmed full coordination with MEA on evacuation requests for Indian nationals, indicating diplomatic cooperation between both countries despite the regional crisis. Tel Aviv is facilitating evacuation of diplomats and foreign nationals who want to leave Israel, according to the Israeli ambassador.
The MEA urged all Indian nationals to register with the Embassy of India in Tel Aviv if not already done. A 24/7 control room has been established with dedicated phone numbers and email support for queries and assistance.
The Embassy reiterated its safety advisories, urging Indians to remain vigilant and strictly follow guidelines issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command. Ben Gurion Airport remains closed with no commercial flights operating, and seaports are also shut, making land routes the primary evacuation option.
The conflict began on June 13, 2025, when Israel launched major military operations against Iran, including airstrikes and covert actions. Both countries continue trading strikes as tensions escalate across the Middle East.
Earlier evacuees from Iran shared harrowing experiences. Varta, a medical student from Kashmir, recalled living through missile strikes. “We were terrified. We thank the Indian government and the Indian embassy who worked very fast and swiftly to bring us here,” she told PTI.
The government emphasized it “accords the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad” and will continue monitoring the situation closely. The Embassy maintains continuous contact with the Indian community to provide feasible assistance.
The escalating conflict has prompted multiple countries to consider evacuation plans. The US Embassy in Jerusalem remains closed through Friday due to security concerns, highlighting the severity of the regional situation.
