India initiated ‘Operation Ajay’ on Wednesday to bring back Indians from Israel amidst the escalating conflict. Israel, in retaliation to Hamas’s attack that began on Saturday, has declared war, establishing a war cabinet. India, a strategic partner of Israel, strongly condemned the Hamas attack, with PM Modi expressing solidarity.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar promptly advised Indians in Israel to exercise caution. A helpline was established, and on the 5th day of the conflict, Operation Ajay was launched. Here are key details:
- Operation Ajay is primarily a repatriation effort, distinct from a traditional evacuation operation.
- Special chartered flights will facilitate the return of Indians, with Indian Navy ships on standby if needed.
- This operation targets around 18,000 Indians in Israel, including students, professionals, and traders. Minister Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to the safety of its nationals abroad.
The first flight, scheduled for Thursday, was communicated to registered Indians via the embassy in Tel Aviv. Additional messages will follow for subsequent flights.
A 24-hour control room in New Delhi monitors the situation in Israel and Palestine. Contact numbers are provided for urgent assistance, along with an email address.
The initial batch of Indians is slated to return from Israel via a special flight on Thursday.
Israel’s Consul General in Mumbai, Kobbi Shoshani, reported no information regarding Indian nationals injured or killed in the ongoing conflict. Actress Nushrratt Bharuccha, present in Israel for the Haifa International Film Festival, was safely repatriated to India.
Approximately 27 individuals from Meghalaya, including Rajya Sabha member Wanweiroy Kharlukhi, found themselves stranded in Bethlehem during the outbreak of hostilities. The Ministry of External Affairs facilitated their safe passage to Egypt.
Also Read: IDF Strikes Senior Hamas Naval Official in Night Airstrikes Across Gaza Strip
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