India announced on Thursday that it will begin evacuating Indian nationals wishing to leave Israel amid ongoing hostilities with Iran. Due to current airspace restrictions, the evacuation will initially take place via land borders, followed by air transport to India.
This operation falls under Operation Sindhu, which was launched on Wednesday to facilitate the safe return of Indian citizens from Iran.
“In light of the recent developments between Israel and Iran, the Government of India has decided to evacuate Indian nationals in Israel who wish to return home,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs. “Travel arrangements will involve transit through land borders, followed by flights to India,” the statement added.
The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has been tasked with overseeing the evacuation process. Indian citizens in Israel have been advised to register with the embassy, which has established a 24×7 control room to provide assistance.
The embassy also reiterated its earlier advisories, urging Indians in Israel to remain alert and strictly adhere to safety protocols issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command.
Currently, over 32,000 Indian nationals reside in Israel, with many employed in the construction sector as blue-collar workers following a rise in demand due to reduced availability of Palestinian labor. Indian caregivers and professionals are also widely present across the country.
The Indian government emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens and affirmed that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation. “The embassy remains in continuous contact with the community to provide all possible support,” the ministry said.
No Indian casualties have been reported in Israel so far. However, a few Indian students in Tehran were injured earlier this week when an Israeli airstrike struck a student dormitory.
Hostilities Escalate Between Israel and Iran
Tensions between Israel and Iran have now entered their seventh day. Iranian missile strikes hit four locations in central and southern Israel, including Soroka Hospital, while Israeli forces launched attacks on Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor.
On Thursday, Iran reportedly fired approximately 20 ballistic missiles at Israeli territory. In response, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that one of Israel’s strategic objectives is the “elimination” of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
