Our landlords left us behind: Indians recall trauma after evacuation from Iran | WATCH

New Delhi: In a late-night arrival on Friday, 290 Indian nationals returned to Delhi from conflict-hit Iran aboard a special evacuation flight under Operation Sindhu, as the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict continues to escalate.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport witnessed emotional reunions as families welcomed their loved ones. Chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Hindustan Zindabad” echoed through the terminal, ANI reported.

Among the returnees was Tazkiya Fatima, a resident of Noida, who described the situation in Iran as deeply uncertain.

“There is a situation of war over there. We were not sure how we would make it out of there, but the Government of India made the whole process very smooth. I am very thankful,” she said.

Eliya Batool, another evacuee, recalled the stress on her family:

“We were provided safety and even stayed at a 5-star hotel in Iran. But we felt truly at ease only after returning to India. Thank you, Indian government.”

Some evacuees highlighted the confusion and disconnection they experienced during their time in Iran.

Mir Mohammad Musharraf, from Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, said:

“Our landlords left us behind. We were stuck in Tehran, not knowing what to do. It was only the Indian Embassy that helped us. Operation Sindhu is amazing and truly helpful.”

Maulana Mohammad Saeed Saeed said:

“We are happy and grateful that we have been able to return home safe and sound. The situation in Iran is no good and we all know. The Indian Embassy and our Ambassador made the evacuation process very smooth and safe.”

For many Kashmiri students, the evacuation came after a rapid deterioration in conditions.

Sehrish Rafique, an MBBS student at the Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, shared:

“The situation in Iran was quite devastating. At first, we didn't expect that it would escalate so much. At first, I couldn't believe the Indian Embassy would make so many efforts for us. All Kashmiris are really thankful to the Indian government.”

According to Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA), 190 of the 290 evacuees were from Jammu and Kashmir, while others were from Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, West Bengal, and other states.

This was the third flight under Operation Sindhu, which continues to facilitate the evacuation of Indians from Iran as the conflict with Israel intensifies. More flights are expected as part of the ongoing effort to assist citizens stranded in the region.

(With ANI inputs)