Iran Opens Airspace to Facilitate Indian Evacuation Efforts
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Iran has opened its otherwise closed airspace exclusively for Indian flights to evacuate its citizens stranded amid the escalating conflict with Israel. This extraordinary measure allows "Operation Sindhu," India's evacuation program, to proceed swiftly, with the first chartered flight carrying approximately 1,000 Indian nationals scheduled to land in New Delhi tonight.
The evacuation is being carried out using Mahan Air chartered flights from Mashhad. The Iranian government's cooperation is a crucial development, as it provides a direct and safe corridor for the return of Indian students and other citizens. "We consider Indians as our own people," said Mohammad Javad Hosseini, the deputy chief of mission at the Iranian embassy, highlighting the strength of the bilateral relationship. "Iran's airspace is closed, but because of this issue, we are making arrangements to open it for the safe passage of Indian nationals."
This large-scale air evacuation follows the initial phase of Operation Sindhu earlier this week, in which 110 Indian students were safely moved across the land border from northern Iran into Armenia before flying home. With an estimated 10,000 Indian nationals in Iran, including a large student population, these flights are a critical step in ensuring their well-being.
The Indian government's efforts are not limited to Iran. A day after the successful evacuation from Armenia, New Delhi also launched the next phase of Operation Sindhu to facilitate the departure of its citizens who wish to leave Israel. The comprehensive operation underscores India's commitment to the safety of its diaspora, leveraging diplomatic channels to secure safe passage even from the heart of a conflict zone. Following tonight's arrival, two more flights from Iran are scheduled for Saturday.
