Iran Makes Rare Exception, Opens Airspace to India for Student Evacuation

 Iran Makes Rare Exception, Opens Airspace to India for Student Evacuation

In an unexpected diplomatic move, Iran lifted its airspace restrictions to facilitate the evacuation of roughly 1,000 Indian students amid escalating hostilities with Israel. This rare exception, announced on June 20, marks a significant humanitarian gesture by Tehran, which typically closes its skies during heightened tensions.

A Humanitarian Corridor Amid Conflict

Since June 13, the Israel–Iran conflict has escalated dramatically, involving missile and drone strikes from both nations. In the wake of these exchanges, Iran declared its airspace closed to international flights. Despite this, Iranian authorities agreed to a special corridor to allow three charter flights to operate under “Operation Sindhu,” India’s repatriation mission .

This humanitarian corridor enabled approximately 1,000 Indian nationals—primarily students—from cities such as Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad to board evacuation flights. The three charter flights, all operated by Iranian carriers, were scheduled over a 24-hour period: one late on June 20, followed by two flights on June 21 .

A senior Iranian diplomat emphasized the strength of Indo-Iranian relations: “We consider Indian nationals to be our own people. Iran's airspace is closed but because of this issue, we are making arrangements to open it for the safe passage of [Indian nationals]” .

Operation Sindhu: A Regional Lifeline

Launched on June 18 by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Operation Sindhu is a multi-phase evacuation of Indian citizens from conflict zones in Iran (and Israel). The mission mirrors Operation Ganga—the 2022 rescue of Indian students from Ukraine .

Phase one saw 110 students transported by road from northern Iran into Armenia on June 17, before boarding a charter flight from Yerevan to New Delhi on June 18. Their safe return to Delhi by June 19 underscored the operation’s efficiency .

With Iran’s skies now open, hundreds more students were expected to arrive in Delhi aboard the three charter flights. As of June 21, an estimated 517 Indians had already been repatriated , and the remaining evacuees would be flown home shortly.

Beyond the logistical efforts, the MEA reaffirmed that “the government of India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad” .

Diplomacy in Action: Iran Steps Up

By opening its airspace under these extraordinary circumstances, Iran has underscored a commitment to humanitarian principles despite its fractious relations with Israel. Iranian Deputy Ambassador Mohammad Javad Hosseini stated, “About 1,000 Indians who were relocated from Tehran to Qom and then to Mashhad will be evacuated… the first flight will land tonight… two more flights on Saturday” .

The staged relocation of students—from Tehran to Qom, then Mashhad—highlighted coordinated evacuations within Iran, facilitated by Indian embassy teams. These evacuees were accompanied to airports, ensuring they boarded charter flights safely .

Broader Cooperation and a Regional Ripple Effect

India’s evacuation efforts under Operation Sindhu have expanded beyond its own nationals. Following diplomatic requests, the mission has now incorporated citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka present in Iran . This reflects growing regional cooperation and India’s humanitarian outreach during crises.

The broader evacuation dynamics include other nations such as the U.S., China, and various European countries airlifting their citizens via land-country hubs. However, Iran’s decision to accept India’s request stands out—demonstrating a capacity for pragmatic engagement amid conflict .

Students' Stories: Relief Amidst Fear

Films from Delhi’s airport tell the human side of the story. According to Livemint, returning students described the situation in Iran as “bad” and “scary,” but praised the Indian government’s swift action: “The government evacuated them from their dormitory, from their doors… no one faced any problem… we are grateful” .

The specific incident that triggered heightened urgency was the reported strike—by Israeli forces—on a dormitory in Tehran, which caused injuries among Indian students. Hosseini noted a “handful” of Indian students received shrapnel wounds, fueling the need for quick evacuation .

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While over 500 students have been evacuated, thousands remain stranded. Estimates suggest more than 4,000 Indians reside in Iran, with approximately half being students . Thus, India and Iran are preparing additional evacuation flights, while the Indian embassy remains in constant communication with nationals, offering emergency helplines and 24×7 control room support .

Internationally, evacuations from Iran have largely relied on land crossings into Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, or Turkmenistan, followed by flights home—due to the widespread closure of Iranian airspace. In contrast, the corridor granted to India signifies a diplomatic success and acts as a humanitarian precedent .

Strategic and Symbolic Significance

By enabling Operation Sindhu to proceed via Iranian skies, Tehran has demonstrated that humanitarian imperatives can prevail amid geopolitics. It is a pragmatic shift—an acknowledgment of India’s role and the importance of safeguarding foreign nationals regardless of broader diplomatic tensions.

For India, this sequence of repatriations adds to a narrative of assertive citizens-first diplomacy. New Delhi has previously shepherded thousands home from Ukraine and Afghanistan. In this environment, Operation Sindhu enhances the government's image at home—projecting competence, focus, and humanity in crisis management.

It also strengthens regional ties: by evacuating Nepalese and Sri Lankan citizens, India fortifies its image as a regional leader willing to step in during emergencies .

Conclusion

As the Israel–Iran confrontation continues, Tehran’s choice to open a humanitarian corridor for Indian flights stands out as a rare yet meaningful exception. So far, it has directly benefited around 1,000 students, with over 500 safely back in India. Yet thousands more remain in conflict-affected zones.

To bring all its citizens home, India relies on diplomatic negotiations, seamless coordination, and continued goodwill—not just from Iran, but from Turkey, Armenia, Turkmenistan, and others. The unfolding Operation Sindhu reflects a resourceful and resilient humanitarian effort, balancing national duty and pragmatic diplomacy amid upheaval. It is a testament to how, even in warfare, pragmatic cooperation and prioritizing lives can transcend borders.