West Asia is once again in turmoil. Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, the greatest concern was for the students pursuing higher education in various Iranian universities. Hundreds of students from India, as well as from neighboring countries like Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, were stranded in cities like Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan. Their safe return was not just an administrative operation but a testament to the sensitivity and humanitarian priorities of Indian foreign policy.
In the first half of 2025, the Iran-Israel conflict suddenly escalated. With military operations, airstrikes, and cyberattacks, normal life was disrupted. Many universities suspended classes, and concerns about the safety of foreign students grew. In this scenario, the Government of India not only crafted a strategy to evacuate its own citizens but also extended assistance to students from neighboring South Asian nations.
‘Operation Suraksha-Setu’: A Humanitarian Diplomacy
The relief mission launched by the Indian government – ‘Operation Suraksha-Setu’ – was carried out through the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Air Force, and various embassies. Under this mission:
- Students stranded in cities like Tehran and Mashhad were relocated to temporary shelters.
- They were brought back to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi through special and chartered flights.
- In coordination with the governments of Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, their students were also safely returned home via India.
This mission became a living embodiment of India’s civilizational ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family.
Indian Foreign Policy: Proactive and Sensitive
India’s diplomatic alertness to the evolving situation in Iran was commendable. Not only were Indian embassies actively engaged, but early warnings and student registration drives were also initiated even before the crisis escalated. This is in line with India’s “Citizens First” policy
