India evacuated 160 of its citizens from Israel to Jordan on Sunday in the first batch of Operation Sindhu, amid escalating tensions and closed Israeli airspace. According to embassy sources, the Indian missions in Tel Aviv and Amman coordinated this effort following growing threats from Iranian drone and missile attacks, with Indian nationals frequently taking cover in bunkers due to sirens.
The evacuees, including students, women, children, and those with medical needs, were prioritised through an online registration and verification process managed by a 24/7 control room set up by the Indian embassy in Israel. The group assembled in Tel Aviv and Haifa, travelled by road to the Sheikh Hussein Bridge at the Israel-Jordan border, and then proceeded to Amman Airport.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs arranged a special evacuation flight from Amman to New Delhi, scheduled for early Monday morning. More such flights, including from Egypt, are planned to rescue Indians from southern Israel in the coming days.
The embassies in both Israel and Jordan, with the support of local governments, ensured the smooth and safe transition. Evacuees praised the coordination and assistance provided under challenging conditions.
Operation Sindhu adds to India's track record of overseas rescue missions, following Operation Ganga (Ukraine), Devi Shakti (Afghanistan), Kaveri (Sudan), and Ajay (Israel). Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring developments, underscoring India’s commitment to the safety of its diaspora. There are more than 40,000 Indian nationals currently in Israel.
