 "Representative Image: ANI")
A flight carrying 290 Indian students has landed in New Delhi after Iran opened its airspace for the evacuation under India’s Operation Sindhu. Iran has announced that it would make an exception for Indian students stranded in the conflict in West Asia and is coordinating with India to ensure they return home safely.
Before their repatriation, the students, most of whom hail from Jammu and Kashmir, were moved to Mashhad from Tehran as Israeli attacks intensified on the capital city. Friday night’s flight was operated by Iran’s Mahan airline.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association said in a statement, “Heartfelt thanks to the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs, and all concerned authorities for their timely intervention and support. A great relief for families who had been anxiously awaiting their return.”
This was the first of three flights arranged by New Delhi and Tehran to evacuate Indian students from the conflict-ridden country. Javed Hosseini, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi, told News18, “We are cooperating with India in the evacuation. Indian nationals were first moved to a safer place and then assisted with onward arrangements. Three Mahaan Air flights will bring them home.”
He added, “Airspace is closed, but a special exception has been made for Indian students.”
The evacuation follows days of aerial bombardments and retaliatory strikes between Iran and Israel. On Thursday, 110 Indian nationals were evacuated via Armenia and Doha before reaching Delhi.
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