Operation Sindhu: As Iran evacuation progresses, India now shifts focus to Israel amid escalating tensions

The Union Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said it will soon evacuate Indians in Israel as part of Operation Sindhu amid rising tensions between Tel Aviv and Tehran. This comes as the evacuation operation in Iran is gaining momentum.

The MEA said citizens willing to return home would be assisted by the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv, adding that it has taken necessary steps to ensure their safety. The ministry said the travel of Indians from Israel will be arranged through the land borders and thereafter by air to India.

The embassy reminded citizens of previous advisories, asking them to remain vigilant and strictly follow the safety guidelines issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command. "The Government of India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad. The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely. The Embassy remains continuously in touch with the community with a view to extending all feasible assistance," read the statement.

The MEA urged Indian nationals in Israel to register themselves with the Embassy of India in Tel Aviv the diplomatic mission's website. (https://www.indembassyisrael.gov.in/indian_national_reg), if not already registered.

For queries, citizens can contact the 24/7 Control Room established at embassy.

Telephone numbers: +972 54-7520711; +972 54-3278392

Email: cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in.

While launching Operation Sindhu on Wednesday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X that the country gives highest priority to the safety and security of its citizens abroad.

The ministry on June 17 evacuated 110 Indian students from northern Iran via Armenia on June 17. Of these, 90 students were from Kashmir. They travelled by road from Iran to Yerevan, the Armenian capital, with the support of Iranian and Armenian diplomatic missions. They left Yerevan on a special flight at 2.55 pm on June 18 and are expected to reach New Delhi on Thursday.

For citizens stranded in Iran, the MEA issued emergency helpline numbers:

1. For call only : +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109

2. For WhatsApp: +98 901044557, +98 9015993320, +91 8086871709

3. Bandar Abbas: +98 9177699036

4. Zahedan: +98 9396356649

5. Email- cons.tehran@mea.gov.in

Helpline numbers of 24 X 7 Control Room set-up by Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi:

800118797 (Toll free) , +91-11-23012113 , +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905

WhatsApp: +91-9968291988 ; Email- situationroom@mea.gov.in

India