In a significant humanitarian operation, 345 Indian fisherfolk landed at Chennai airport on Saturday evening after being evacuated from Iran due to the escalating conflict in West Asia. The majority of these fishermen hail from Tamil Nadu, where fishing is an essential livelihood for many families.
These individuals had been diligently working in the southern regions of Iran before the deteriorating security situation prompted their relocation to the country’s northern border. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Indian embassies in Tehran and Yerevan, these fisherfolk successfully crossed into Armenia, where they were then able to board a flight back to India.
Expressing gratitude for the support received, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar took to social media, commending Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and the government of Yerevan for their vital assistance in facilitating the evacuation. This operation underscores the importance of international cooperation during crises.
Upon their arrival, the fisherfolk were warmly welcomed by Union Minister Piyush Goyal at the Chennai airport, who assured them that their government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Indians abroad. As the situation in the region continues to develop, officials have indicated that further evacuations may be necessary, as many more Indian nationals are still in Iran, including several fishermen who have reported being stranded on their boats.
According to reports from the Ministry of External Affairs, over 1,150 Indians have successfully made their way out of Iran through land routes into Armenia and Azerbaijan since the onset of the conflict on February 28. In a separate operational success, a group of 70 Indians, primarily students from Jammu and Kashmir and a few pilgrims, returned to Delhi via a commercial flight also routed through Armenia on March 15. The Indian government’s proactive measures aim to ensure that all citizens are accounted for and returned safely amidst ongoing tensions.
