Once again, the Narendra Modi government has demonstrated what efficient governance and resolute leadership look like in times of global crisis. As the spectre of full-scale war looms large in West Asia—with the United States formally joining Israel in striking Iranian nuclear sites—India wasted no time in securing the lives of its citizens trapped in the unfolding chaos. In what can only be described as a textbook example of proactive diplomacy and logistical preparedness, the government swiftly launched Operation Sindhu to bring Indians—mostly students and professionals—safely back home from Iran. This is not the first time India has had to respond to such international emergencies. But under the Modi government, the scale, speed, and success of evacuations have reached a new benchmark. From Yemen in 2015 (Operation Raahat) to Ukraine in 2022 (Operation Ganga), to Afghanistan, Sudan, and now Iran, India has built a reputation for being one of the few countries in the world capable of protecting its citizens abroad, no matter the geopolitical cost or logistical complexity. The current conflict, however, is potentially far more dangerous than previous crises. With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly welcoming the U.S. intervention as a step toward “freeing Iran” from building nuclear weapons, and U.S. President Donald Trump jubilantly confirming American fighter jets had struck Iranian nuclear facilities—including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—the stakes couldn’t be higher. Iran has vowed retaliation, and although Russia and China have so far limited themselves to strongly worded condemnations, accusing the U.S. of crossing the “red line” of the UN Charter, the risk of escalation is undeniable. In this volatile environment, India’s decision to act swiftly was not just wise—it was necessary. Already, over 800 Indian citizens, including more than 300 students, have been brought back safely via chartered flights—two from Mashhad in Iran and one from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. With land routes leveraged and air corridors secured under extreme conditions, this evacuation has been nothing short of a logistical triumph.
It is also important to highlight that while India protected its own, it did not abandon its role as a responsible global player. Prime Minister Modi reportedly reached out to both the Iranian and Israeli leaderships, urging restraint and diplomatic resolution. Such dual engagement—balancing ties with both Israel and Iran, even as the U.S. throws its military weight behind Tel Aviv—is a tightrope few nations can walk without stumbling. Yet India is managing it with remarkable finesse. Moreover, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made it clear that arrangements were also being made for Indians in Israel who wished to return. This even-handed approach—helping citizens in both Iran and Israel—reflects not just a humanitarian commitment but also a neutral and sovereign foreign policy, rooted in Indian strategic autonomy. Let us not lose sight of the fact that these evacuations are not just about planes and passports—they are about sending a powerful message to every Indian, wherever they may be: Your country will not leave you behind. In a world increasingly marked by unpredictability, India’s evacuation efforts stand as a beacon of preparedness and compassion. And in Prime Minister Modi, Indians abroad know they have a leader who will not hesitate to act decisively when their lives are on the line. As the situation in West Asia continues to unravel, and as the possibility of wider regional or even global conflict cannot be ruled out, one can only hope that India’s example of prioritizing human lives over political calculations serves as a reminder to world powers caught in the grip of militaristic ambitions. For now, however, the message is loud and clear: when the world burns, India brings its people home.
