New Delhi, India – In a swift response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Indian government has initiated Operation Ajay in Israel, a mission aimed at repatriating Indian citizens stranded in Israel. The first charter flight under this mission touched down at New Delhi‘s airport early Friday morning, carrying 212 Indian passengers, including an infant, who had been eagerly waiting to return to their homeland.
What is Operation Ajay?
The mission, dubbed “Operation Ajay,” was launched with the primary objective of ensuring the safe return of Indian nationals from Israel. This humanitarian effort, coordinated by the Indian government, is the result of a rapid response to the distress calls of the stranded citizens as the conflict between Israel and Hamas entered its seventh day.
Passengers were selected on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis, reflecting the urgency and gravity of the situation. The flight took off from Ben Gurion Airport in Israel on Thursday night, successfully bringing these Indian citizens back home.
Ministers Backing the Operation
The significance of this operation was further underscored by the presence of Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekar, who was personally at the airport to receive the returning citizens. This act of solidarity and support was widely appreciated by the passengers and their families.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared updates on the repatriation, posting images of the Indian citizens boarding the flight on X (formerly known as Twitter) with the caption: “Operation Ajay gets underway. 212 citizens onboard the flight are en route to New Delhi.” His social media posts have served as a source of reassurance to the families of those returning.
Government’s Commitment Towards Citizens
Operation Ajay meaning inevitable, encompasses various methods of evacuation, not just limited to charter flights. The Indian Navy has also been placed on standby, ready to deploy ships if the situation necessitates it. This demonstrates the Indian government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and swift return of its citizens.
It’s essential to note that there are approximately 18,000 Indians in Israel, representing a diverse group of students, professionals, and traders. This massive operation aims to provide a lifeline to these individuals during this challenging time.
Official Means to Contact Indian Authorities
To ensure the efficiency and coordination of Operation Ajay by India, the Ministry of External Affairs has established a 24-hour control room in New Delhi. This control room will closely monitor the situation in Israel and Palestine. For those in need of assistance or information, the following contact details have been made available:
- Toll-free helpline: 1800118797
- Phone numbers: +91-11 23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905, +919968291988
- Email ID: situationroom@mea.gov.in
Furthermore, the Indian Embassy in Israel has set up its own 24-hour emergency helpline for those seeking immediate assistance. The contact details are as follows:
- Phone numbers: +972-35226748 and +972-543278392
- Email ID: cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in
A Time of Crisis!
As the conflict continues to escalate in the region, it’s crucial to acknowledge the human toll it has taken so far. Reports indicate that over 2,800 people from both sides have lost their lives, and a staggering 423,000 individuals have been forcibly displaced from their homes. Operation Ajay is a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its citizens and providing assistance in times of crisis.
