Operation Ajay: First Flight Brings 212 Indian Nationals Home Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict
- Posted on October 13, 2023
- International Conflict and Politics
- By Arijit Dutta
- 269 Views
In a significant development, the inaugural flight of Operation Ajay, tasked with repatriating 212 Indian nationals stranded in Israel due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, successfully landed at Delhi airport early Friday. Operation Ajay, launched by India, is a commendable initiative aimed at facilitating the return of Indian citizens facing adversity abroad.
In a significant development, the inaugural flight of
Operation Ajay, tasked with repatriating 212 Indian nationals stranded in
Israel due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, successfully landed at Delhi
airport early Friday. Operation Ajay, launched by India, is a commendable
initiative aimed at facilitating the return of Indian citizens facing adversity
abroad.
This remarkable operation was meticulously executed under
the guidance of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who expressed the
government's commitment to bringing Indian citizens back to their homeland.
Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, shared
images of the heartwarming moment when the first batch of Indian nationals
touched down in New Delhi.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, donning folded
hands, warmly welcomed the returnees at the airport, emphasizing the
government's unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and security of its
citizens. He extended his gratitude to the External Affairs Ministry and the
Air India flight crew for their relentless efforts.
Speaking exclusively to ANI, one of the repatriated Indian citizens expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Indian government for providing assistance during these trying times. They acknowledged the invaluable support rendered through Operation Ajay and hoped for a swift return to normalcy and peace.
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The backdrop of this operation is the Israel-Hamas
conflict, which has left approximately 18,000 Indians residing in Israel facing
challenging circumstances. India is not the only nation dealing with this
crisis; citizens from various countries have been stranded in Israel, with
reports of casualties and hostage situations involving the Palestinian militant
group Hamas.
The Ministry of External Affairs assured the Indian
public that there have been no reported Indian casualties thus far, but the
situation remains a matter of concern. The ministry has issued advisories,
urging Indian citizens to follow their guidance to stay safe and well-informed.
To provide further assistance, the Indian embassy in
Israel has been actively supporting Indian companies and has established a
helpline for Indian citizens in need of assistance. Additionally, the Ministry
of External Affairs has set up a 24-hour control room to closely monitor the
escalating conflict, ensuring a rapid response and the dissemination of vital
information and assistance to those in need. Operation Ajay is a testament to
the Indian government's unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of
its citizens, even in times of international turmoil.