India announces the launch of “Operation Ajay” to facilitate the return of Indians wishing to come back home from Israel after brazen attacks on Israeli towns by Hamas militants over the weekend triggered fresh tensions in the region. In retaliation to the attacks, Israel has already launched a massive military offensive.
“External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, visiting Sri Lanka, posted an announcement on X about the launch of “Operation Ajay” on Wednesday night.”
“Launching #OperationAjay to facilitate the return from Israel of our citizens who wish to return,” he said.
“He added that they are putting special charter flights and other arrangements in place, fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad.”
We expect to bring back the first batch of Indians from Israel in a special flight on Thursday.
What is Operation Ajay?
The Indian government has launched Operation Ajay, a mission to evacuate its citizens from Israel during the ongoing conflict with the Hamas group in Gaza.
Technically, Operation Ajay doesn’t operate as an evacuation operation. It operates to repatriate its citizens from Israel. Special chartered flights are set to bring the Indians back. If need arises, the Indian Navy will deploy its ships.
Indians in Israel Amid Conflict
They estimate that approximately 18,000 Indians currently live in Israel. The ongoing conflict between Hamas militants from Gaza and Israel has caused around 2,150 casualties. Israeli authorities have recorded over 1,200 deaths in Israel, including 155 soldiers, while the Palestinian side has reported a death toll of 950 in Gaza.
India’s External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar, recently discussed the crisis in West Asia with his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They agreed to maintain communication regarding the situation.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has established a 24-hour control room in Delhi and emergency helplines in Tel Aviv and Ramallah to monitor the situation and provide information and assistance to Indian citizens. You can reach the control room at 1800118797 (toll-free), +91-11 23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905 and +919968291988, or email at situationroom@mea.gov.in.
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