English 
First Evacuation Flight of Indian Nationals from Iran Lands in Delhi at 2 AM
Inside India’s Rescue Operation Amid the 2025 Israel-Iran Conflict
Introduction
Amid escalating tensions in the Israel-Iran conflict (2025), the first evacuation flight carrying Indian nationals from Iran is scheduled to land in Delhi at 2:00 AM IST on June 19, 2025, via Yerevan, Armenia.
This critical operation, coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Tehran, primarily targets the safe return of students and workers stranded in the war-hit region. With #IranEvacuation trending on X (formerly Twitter), this article by NRIGlobe.com provides detailed insights into the mission, addressing key searches like:
- Indian evacuation Iran 2025
- Israel-Iran war Indian students
- Iran conflict Indian safety update
Details of the Evacuation Flight
The first group of 110 Indian nationals—mostly medical and engineering students—crossed the Iran–Armenia border on June 17, 2025, and reached Yerevan.
From Yerevan, they boarded a special flight to Delhi, expected to land around 2 AM IST on June 19 at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The operation was confirmed by X updates from @AdityaRajKaul and @airnewsalerts, highlighting the urgency amid Iran’s closed airspace.
The flight is either Indian Air Force or commercially chartered, reflecting the MEA’s strategic choice of Armenia as a transit hub due to its safe borders and close ties with India.
Background: The Israel-Iran Conflict
The evacuation is set against the backdrop of the Israel–Iran conflict, which erupted on June 13, 2025, after Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion”, targeting Iran’s nuclear and military sites.
Key Developments:
- Iran’s retaliation included widespread missile and drone attacks.
- Casualties: Over 224 dead in Iran, and 24 in Israel.
- Iran’s airspace was shut, preventing direct flights and necessitating land routes for evacuation.
The Indian Embassy advised nationals to move to safer zones like Qom, relocating 600–700 Indians, while Isfahan and Tabriz remain off-limits.
Indian Presence in Iran
- Total Indians in Iran: ~10,000
- 1,500–2,000 students
- ~6,000 workers
- Several merchant seafarers
India’s decision to evacuate via Armenia rather than Pakistan or Afghanistan reflects complex geopolitical realities and logistical safety concerns.
Future exit points may include Turkmenistan and Iraq, but Armenia remains the safest initial option.
Key Challenges in Evacuation
Compared to Operation Ganga (Ukraine, 2022), the Iran evacuation faces significant logistical barriers:
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Closed Airspace | Iranian skies are shut; Pakistan’s airspace also restricted for Indian aircraft post-Operation Sindoor. |
| Inadequate Infrastructure | Unlike Ukraine, Iran’s road/rail systems are less reliable. |
| Security Risks | Active missile zones, especially around Tehran, pose threats to movement. |
| Diplomatic Tensions | Limited access through Iran’s neighbors; only Armenia and Turkmenistan are feasible. |
Emergency Helplines:
+98 9010144557, +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109
Google Form Registration – for Indians in Iran to register with the Embassy.
Voices from the Ground: Indian Students’ Plight
Indian students, especially those in Tehran universities, have reported anxiety and fear.
- Two Kashmiri students sustained minor injuries during a hostel missile strike.
- Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of J&K, confirmed coordination with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
- Students were moved from Tehran to Qom, and later transported to Armenia under tight Embassy supervision.
“We were terrified… reaching Yerevan felt like surviving a war,” shared a student via @rsrobin1.
Global & Diaspora Reactions
The #IranEvacuation trend on X reflects worldwide concern, especially among:
- Indian-Americans
- Indo-Canadians
- British-Indians
News outlets like @CNBCTV18Live and @nehakhanna_07 highlighted the evacuation’s urgency.
Meanwhile, @FrontalForce posted visuals of the students boarding the flight from Yerevan.
Search trends like “Indian nationals Iran safety” and “Israel-Iran war diaspora news” are surging.
What’s Next? Future Evacuation Plans
- Estimated 500–1,500 Indians (mostly students) still remain in volatile areas.
- Turkmenistan’s capital Ashgabat is being evaluated as the next staging point.
- Sea evacuation via Persian Gulf ports (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Kuwait) also under consideration.
India’s Embassy urges all citizens to:
- Carry passports
- Stay indoors
- Avoid self-evacuation attempts
Armenia’s Foreign Minister is actively aiding India’s efforts, according to @news.am.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the first evacuation flight landing in India?
At 2:00 AM IST, June 19, 2025, in Delhi via Yerevan, Armenia.
2. Why is India evacuating citizens from Iran?
Due to escalating military conflict between Israel and Iran post-June 13, 2025.
3. Why is Armenia the chosen route?
Iran’s airspace is closed. Armenia offers a safe, diplomatic, and geographic transit point.
4. How many Indians are currently in Iran?
About 10,000, including 2,000 students, 6,000 workers, and merchant sailors.
5. What makes this operation difficult?
- Closed borders and airspace
- Insecure ground routes
- Geopolitical limitations
- Inadequate infrastructure
Conclusion
The arrival of the first evacuation flight from Iran marks a crucial milestone in India’s mission to ensure citizen safety amid the Israel-Iran 2025 conflict. With 110 students safely evacuated via Armenia, the Indian government’s logistical prowess and diplomatic urgency are evident.
