With tensions between Iran and Israel entering the eighth day, Iran has also agreed to ease airspace restrictions in order to allow the evacuation of Indian citizens. Approximately 1,000 Indians, comprising mostly students, are to fly back on three special Iranian government-arranged flights from Mashhad.
The initial of these flights will be landing in India on Friday evening, while the others are expected to land on Saturday afternoon. Iranian officials did confirm that additional flights would be organized if needed and assured that “all Indians in Iran are safe.”
Earlier Evacuation Under Operation Sindhu
Last week, India evacuated at least 110 students from Iran, of which the majority were from Jammu and Kashmir. Under Operation Sindhu, the students were brought to Armenia, flown from there to Doha, and finally reached Delhi in the wee hours of Thursday.
Evacuation Plan from Israel
In another development, the Indian government also said it would help its nationals in Israel who want to return, as airspace closures persist.
“In light of recent events between Iran and Israel, the Government of India has decided to evacuate from Israel those Indian citizens who wish to return,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
“Their journey from Israel to India will be via the land borders and then by air to India,” the statement continued, These new routes are required because airspace over Israel has been restricted since the outbreak of hostilities over the weekend.
