India evacuated 5,945 citizens from Middle East over three years, says government
Over the past three years, the Indian government has evacuated 5,945 nationals from the Middle East, including operations in Israel and Iran. These efforts, such as 'Operation Ajay' and 'Operation Sindhu', prioritized the safety and security of ci...
By ET Online | Updated:
Agencies
The government told Parliament on Friday that 5,945 Indian nationals were evacuated from Israel, Iran, Syria and Iraq over the last three years due to safety concerns. The information was shared by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
He said these operations included 'Operation Ajay' in Israel in 2023 and 'Operation Sindhu' in Iran and Israel in 2025. Jaishankar added that the Centre also carried out a special humanitarian airlift in 2024 to bring back the mortal remains of 45 Indians who died in a fire incident in Kuwait, including three residents of Uttar Pradesh.
In his response, Jaishankar said, “Government also undertook a special humanitarian airlift of mortal remains of 45 deceased Indian nationals, who lost their lives in a tragic fire incident in Kuwait in 2024, which included three citizens of Uttar Pradesh.”
The minister stated that the government “closely monitors” global developments, including the Middle East. He said, “Keeping in view the safety and security of Indian nationals, the Government of India evacuated 5,945 Indian nationals from Israel, Iran, Syria and Iraq in the Middle East during the last three years, including under 'Operation Ajay' in Israel in 2023 and 'Operation Sindhu' in Iran and Israel in 2025. A total of 1,474 evacuated Indian nationals belonged to Uttar Pradesh.”
According to the reply, advisories are issued based on local conditions to guide Indians on travel, safety measures and contact with missions abroad. The minister said evacuation operations are launched whenever required, using a coordinated approach across government departments.
The Centre provides safe shelter, meals, transport and evacuation flights without charge during such operations. It said the safety and well-being of all Indian nationals remain the priority, irrespective of their home state.
Jaishankar informed Parliament that there is currently no information suggesting any immediate threat that would require an evacuation from the Middle East.
He said these operations included 'Operation Ajay' in Israel in 2023 and 'Operation Sindhu' in Iran and Israel in 2025. Jaishankar added that the Centre also carried out a special humanitarian airlift in 2024 to bring back the mortal remains of 45 Indians who died in a fire incident in Kuwait, including three residents of Uttar Pradesh.
In his response, Jaishankar said, “Government also undertook a special humanitarian airlift of mortal remains of 45 deceased Indian nationals, who lost their lives in a tragic fire incident in Kuwait in 2024, which included three citizens of Uttar Pradesh.”
The minister stated that the government “closely monitors” global developments, including the Middle East. He said, “Keeping in view the safety and security of Indian nationals, the Government of India evacuated 5,945 Indian nationals from Israel, Iran, Syria and Iraq in the Middle East during the last three years, including under 'Operation Ajay' in Israel in 2023 and 'Operation Sindhu' in Iran and Israel in 2025. A total of 1,474 evacuated Indian nationals belonged to Uttar Pradesh.”
According to the reply, advisories are issued based on local conditions to guide Indians on travel, safety measures and contact with missions abroad. The minister said evacuation operations are launched whenever required, using a coordinated approach across government departments.
The Centre provides safe shelter, meals, transport and evacuation flights without charge during such operations. It said the safety and well-being of all Indian nationals remain the priority, irrespective of their home state.
ADVERTISEMENT
Jaishankar informed Parliament that there is currently no information suggesting any immediate threat that would require an evacuation from the Middle East.
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
