India has evacuated 918 citizens from Israel under Operation Ajay since 13th October. The fourth flight carrying 274 passengers landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport 9:00 am on Sunday.
On 11th October 2023, the Union Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, announced the launch of Operation Ajay “to facilitate the return from Israel of our citizens who wish to return”. He informed that special charter flights and other arrangements were being put in place and affirmed that India is “Fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad.”
The first flight with 212 Indian nationals has departed from Tel Aviv on 13th October morning and landed in New Delhi hours later.
The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier set up a 24-hour control room in view of the escalating conflict in Israel following the surprise attack from Hamas on 7th October that reported killed over 250 people and injured over 1500.
The Embassy of India in Israel had announced on 14th October that it was continuously reaching out to Indian nationals in the Middle East Country who wish to return to the Motherland. There are reportedly around 18,000 Indians in Israel. The Embassy had also urged nationals to fill up complete the travel form and that slots in the evacuation flights would be allocated on ‘first come, first served’ basis.
We appreciate the contribution of all the volunteers from the Indian community, who joined the Embassy officials to ensure the success of #OperationAjay. The Government of India is committed to bringing its citizens home. pic.twitter.com/TZAm8DwxJT
— India in Israel (@indemtel) October 15, 2023
