In a major rescue mission amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, 110 Indian medical students were evacuated from Iran and safely brought back to Delhi early Thursday morning. The repatriation, part of ‘Operation Sindhu’ launched by the Indian government, involved coordinated efforts by the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian embassies in Tehran and Armenia. The students, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir, arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport around 4:45 am, holding Indian flags with relief and pride.

The journey was anything but easy. On June 17, the students travelled over 600 km by road from their university in Urmiya, Iran, to neighbouring Armenia. The next day, they boarded a special IndiGo flight from Yerevan at 2:55 pm local time, which included a stop in Doha before finally reaching Delhi. All expenses of the evacuation were fully covered by the Indian government. According to officials, the group includes 54 female students and others from states such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal.

Despite exhaustion, many students shared their gratitude and recalled the tense situation back in Iran. Fourth-year student Aman Nazar said he had faith that India would bring them home, citing sounds of drones and missiles near their dorms. Another student, Mariam Roz, described a terrifying moment when a missile flew over their building at night. Families waiting at the airport were emotional, with many thanking the government for the swift and safe operation. While students are thankful to be home, most expressed hope to return to Iran once the conflict subsides, to complete their medical education.