Evacuated from our dormitory: Indian students share what it took to escape Iran

Amid the conflict between Iran and Israel, thousands of Indian and Sri Lankan nationals — many of them students — have been successfully evacuated under the Indian government’s Operation Sindhu.

The operation was initiated after Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” on June 13, 2025, targeting Iranian military and nuclear installations, heightening fears of widespread regional instability.Operation Sindhu, which began on June 18, 2025, has so far facilitated the return of 2,295 Indians from Iran. A day earlier, on June 17, another flight brought back 290 Indian nationals and one Sri Lankan national from Mashhad.

With Iran’s airspace initially closed, the evacuation was first carried out via land routes to Armenia and Turkmenistan. Iran later reopened its skies exclusively for Indian rescue flights, enabling direct airlifts starting June 20.

Similarly, evacuations from Israel were coordinated through Jordan and Kuwait, demonstrating India's wide diplomatic engagement in the region.Gratitude expressed by Indian students returning homeNumerous returning students have shared heartfelt messages, thanking the Indian government for its swift and comprehensive rescue efforts.

A video posted by @mygovindia features young evacuees expressing their appreciation. Sheikh Afsa, who arrived in New Delhi aboard a special flight carrying 110 evacuees from northern Iran, told ANI that the evacuation team “literally took us from our dormitory, from our doors… we didn’t even expect this much help. We are grateful to the central government for the role they played.”

One student is quoted by ANI saying, “We used to hear that Modi Ji considers all Indians as his own family.

Today we have felt the same way.” Another added, “I am very thankful for my government because of which our problems are solved.”A researcher’s account from JerusalemArvind Shukla, an Indian postdoctoral researcher who was evacuated from Jerusalem, shared his experience after reaching India. Speaking to ANI at the airport, Shukla described the terrifying atmosphere in Israel: “Missiles were flying over our heads… we used to stay in the hostel and rush to the bunker when sirens went off.”He added that the evacuation was well-managed with the help of officials in Jordan and Kuwait. ANI quoted Shukla saying, “They took out 160 people from there. We received proper food, water and everything… the India Embassy staff were really kind. We are grateful.”

Concerns about disrupted studies but hopes for returnWhile students were relieved to be home, some voiced concern about the impact on their academic futures. A girl from Jammu and Kashmir, currently in her fourth year of studies in Iran, told ANI that while she was thankful for the safe evacuation, she hoped the war would soon end so that students could return to finish their education.ANI quoted her saying, “We didn’t expect to be back, but such is the condition there… The evacuation process was smooth. I request our CM to help us reach home quickly.”India continues to prioritise citizens’ safety abroadIn a post shared on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the continued commitment of the Indian government: “India evacuated 110 students from northern Iran, who crossed into Armenia under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia… India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of her nationals abroad.”

Sri Lankan student praises India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ approachIndia’s assistance extended beyond its own citizens. Fatima Iman, a Sri Lankan national who was also rescued from Iran, expressed her thanks for the support. ANI quoted her saying that the worsening conditions in Iran made the Indian evacuation effort all the more crucial. She appreciated India’s commitment to regional stability, referencing past operations like the 1990 evacuation from Kuwait and the 2015 Yemen crisis.

With Operation Sindhu still underway, many more citizens are expected to be brought home in the coming days.