- India,
- 21-Jun-2025 07:20 PM IST
Israel-Iran War: India has once again shown regional humanitarian leadership and extended a helping hand to the neighboring countries trapped in crisis. Amid the deteriorating situation in Iran, India has decided to not only evacuate its citizens to safe places under 'Operation Sindhu', but is also going to play a decisive role in evacuating the citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka.According to the Indian Embassy, this decision has been taken on the recommendation of the governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka. This shows that India not only cares about its own citizens in times of crisis, but also maintains deep friendship with its neighbors.Telephone helpline and verification processThe Iranian Indian Embassy in New Delhi has issued a special telephone number through which Sri Lankan and Nepalese citizens can contact. After identification and verification of these citizens, they will be evacuated safely under 'Operation Sindhu'.Nepal: Attempts failed, India became the troubleshooterAccording to the Nepal government, a total of 16 Nepalese citizens are stranded in Iran, out of which 5 are accused of international smuggling and are in jail. There are about 5500 citizens of Nepal in Israel too. Nepal had earlier tried to evacuate these citizens on its own, but when it was unsuccessful, it sought help from India. India agreed to help without delay.Sri Lanka: Number unclear, India still showed readinessAlthough the exact number of citizens stranded in Sri Lanka is not yet known, but according to the data, about 12,000 Sri Lankan citizens travel to Iran every year. In such a situation, the offer of help from India is proving to be very important for Sri Lanka.India's befitting reply to China's moveAt the same time, China was trying to form a strategic alliance with Pakistan and Bangladesh. This alliance was considered an attempt to weaken India's regional position. But India's timely help to Nepal and Sri Lanka has made this alliance ineffective.While Nepal is a country with 82 percent Hindu population, India has deep cultural and historical ties with Sri Lanka. China is trying to strengthen its political and economic hold in both these countries, but this active role of India seems to be balancing that influence.