New Delhi, June 26 || A total of 275 people -- 272 Indian nationals and three Nepalese -- arrived safely in New Delhi from Mashhad, Iran, on Thursday, as part of the Indian government's ongoing Operation Sindhu.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the arrival and said this brings the total number of citizens repatriated from Iran to 3,426, amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Emotions ran high as relieved evacuees stepped onto Indian soil.
Sharing his experience, one Indian national, "We were in Mashhad. Five members of my family, including me, are very grateful to the Indian Embassy and the government of India for bringing us home safely. They did not leave us orphaned in a foreign country. No other country has done anything like this for its nationals."
He further recalled how embassy officials patiently waited and searched for missing passengers before departure.
"A few people went missing, so the embassy officials even waited for two hours and searched for the missing. There is no one like our Indian government," he added.
"I stand here with a heart full of gratitude and respect for the entire Indian Embassy and the Government of India for bringing us back home. I am truly thankful and will always remain grateful," said another returnee, echoing the widespread appreciation among those evacuated.