The Indian Embassy in Iran on Tuesday evening announced that it is gradually winding down the evacuation exercise initiated during the recent military conflict in the region, following the announcement of a ceasefire.
“The Embassy has closed the contact desk that was opened to register new names for evacuation. At the same time, the Government of India is keeping a close watch on the evolving situation and will reassess its strategy in case there is a renewed threat to the security of Indian nationals in Iran,” the Embassy posted on X.
It advised Indians in other parts of Iran who were planning to travel to Mashhad for evacuation to remain where they are and continue monitoring the news, along with any updated advisories issued by the Embassy.
“Those Indians who have already travelled to Mashhad in the last few days and are staying in one of the hotels arranged by the Embassy are requested to shift to Sadr Hotel today itself, as the Embassy will be releasing rooms in the other hotels. The Embassy will retain rooms at Sadr Hotel for two more nights (until checkout time on June 26). This will also allow citizens time to assure themselves that the security situation in Iran is indeed returning to normal,” the statement added.
The Embassy also noted that Indian citizens needing advice, assistance, or having any special requirements may continue to reach out via the official Telegram channel or the helplines provided earlier. These communication channels will remain active for the next few days.
Giving top priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad, the Government of India had launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate its citizens from Iran as tensions escalated due to the conflict between Iran and Israel.
As part of the operation, the Indian Embassy evacuated 110 Indian students from northern Iran, assisting them in safely crossing into Armenia on June 17. The students travelled by road to the Armenian capital, Yerevan, under the supervision of Indian missions in Iran and Armenia, before boarding a special flight to New Delhi.
On Tuesday, Indian nationals evacuated from Iran on a special flight arrived in New Delhi from Mashhad.
Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita received 281 Indians, along with three Sri Lankans and two Nepalese nationals evacuated from Iran. They arrived in New Delhi on a special flight from Mashhad, raising the total number of evacuees brought home from Iran under Operation Sindhu to 2,576.
India also launched the Israel leg of Operation Sindhu on June 23, repatriating several groups of Indian nationals from Israel. So far, 594 Indians have returned from Israel as part of the mission.
-IANS
