The evacuation of about 110 Indian students from Urmia Medical University near the Iran-Armenia was very proud moment for the Indian nationals, especially for the people of Kashmir Valley whose 90 students were evacuated.
The operation demonstrates India’s unwavering commitment to its citizens regardless of their location in the world.
These students pursuing their aspirations of studying medicine far from their homeland, were all in a perilous situation because of the armed conflict between Iran and Israel. Fortunately, after some initial efforts by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), all the students were safely evacuated and returned back to India.
A nation’s strength during complex global crises can be measured not just on diplomatic accomplishments, like PS-1 and PS-2 I have mentioned elsewhere, but by a nations capability to protect and evacuate its citizens from situations of peril. The rapid and unequivocal inauguration of ‘Operation Sindhu’ for the evacuation of Indian Nationals from war torn Iran by the Government of India raises the nations stature in success before world nations and protect its own nationals.
While logistically an operational success, operationally it sends overt message that India looks after its own.
A truly historic joint effort among with cooperation of Indian embassies the locals authorities and students.
There is happiness in seeing students from across the nation, and especially Jammu & Kashmir, back and safe, signalling that every Indian matters regardless of region and faith.
Once again, ‘Operation Sindhu’ has created another landmark in India’s emerging profile as a caring nation to its diaspora.
Having previously demonstrated its capability time and again-from ‘Operation Raahat’ of Yemen to the COVID-declare ‘Vande Bharat Mission’, India has once again demonstrated, time and again, its ability to execute large-scale evacuations, with exacting precision & laudable compassion.
When we embrace our citizens back to the Motherland, we must acknowledge every singular person that has made this possible: the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the concerned Indian embassies, and the armed forces.
The unyielding professionalism and dedication of these personnel are a reminder that despite the unclear, shifting sands of liquidity, the Indian Government remains an ever-present & reliable protector of its people.
The importance of this operation goes far beyond just bringing home Indian citizens, it serves to greatly strengthen the ties between India and its citizens.
