India launches evacuation from Israel as tensions with Iran escalate

Israel Iran War Live Updates: Amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, the Indian government has initiated an evacuation operation to bring home its citizens currently in Israel. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday, June 19, that the mission, named Operation Sindhu, will assist Indian nationals who wish to return.The ministry added that evacuation will be facilitated via land routes and then by air to India.

Meanwhile, the United States and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their joint stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X after a meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, saying, United States and the UK agree that Iran should never get a nuclear weapon.

In Washington, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed a message from US President Donald Trump, who is weighing his next move. “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” Trump said, according to Leavitt.

Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated after Iranian missile strikes wounded at least 240 people in Israel, including 80 at Soroka Medical Centre. Israel retaliated with fresh attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including the Arak heavy water reactor.