In a commendable initiative, India has launched “Operation Ajay” to facilitate the return of Indian nationals from Israel in the wake of recent attacks on Israeli towns by Hamas militants. The operation, named after the determined Indian character “Ajay,” has already begun bringing Indian citizens back to their homeland.
The early hours of Friday saw the arrival of the first batch of around 212 Indian nationals from Israel on a special chartered flight at the Delhi airport. This marks a significant step in ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian citizens caught amidst escalating tensions in the region.
Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, was present at the airport to warmly welcome the returning Indians. Chandrasekhar, with folded hands, engaged with the students and passengers from the flight, offering them reassurance. He emphasized the unwavering commitment of the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to protect and bring back every Indian citizen safely.
Chandrasekhar expressed his gratitude to External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, the dedicated team at the External Affairs Ministry, and the flight crew of the Air India charter for their efforts in making this operation possible. He reiterated the government’s commitment never to leave any Indian behind and underscored Prime Minister Modi’s resolute determination to safeguard their well-being.
Sanjeev Singla, the Indian Ambassador to Israel, further highlighted the proactive role of the Indian Embassy in Israel in ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian nationals during the conflict in Israel. He confirmed that, under “Operation Ajay,” the embassy is actively facilitating the return of Indian citizens to India for those who wish to do so.
As part of the initiative, the first batch of Indian passengers boarded the special flight from Tel Aviv to India on Thursday, marking the beginning of “Operation Ajay.” The operation is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission to bring back approximately 18,000 Indians from Israel who found themselves in a challenging situation due to the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.
Registration for Indian citizens to avail themselves of the benefits of “Operation Ajay” began on Thursday, signifying the government’s swift response to ensure the safe return of its citizens from conflict-affected areas. This operation stands as a testament to India’s commitment to the well-being and security of its citizens, even in times of global turmoil and crisis.