How is the World Responding to India's Unmatched Evacuation Missions?

New Delhi, June 18 (NationPress) The successful evacuation of more than 100 Indian students from the war-torn regions of Iran has once again highlighted India's role as a global leader in providing steadfast support to its citizens during critical times.

The government, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, worked diligently to relocate these students to safer areas within Iran, engaged with local leaders about their welfare, and ultimately facilitated their safe passage across the border into Armenia before their return to India.

Experts believe that India's foreign policy approach over the last decade has been characterized not only by diplomacy and dialogue but also by decisive actions to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.

In moments of conflict, crisis, or disaster, PM Modi's administration has acted with remarkable speed, empathy, and precision. The relief and evacuation operations have come to exemplify the 'nation first' philosophy. Whether addressing a pandemic, political turmoil, or natural calamities, India has consistently ensured the safe return of its people.

Here are some key evacuation missions conducted by the government in recent years:

• Vande Bharat Mission: Initiated during the Covid-19 pandemic, this operation stands as one of the largest global repatriation efforts. From May 2020 to March 2022, a staggering 3.20 crore people were transported (1.60 crore disembarked and 1.60 crore embarked) through various commercial and chartered flights.
• Evacuation from China (2020): At the onset of the pandemic, India was quick to evacuate 637 Indian citizens and seven Maldivians from Wuhan, demonstrating effective crisis management.
• Operation Devi Shakti: In response to the worsening situation in Afghanistan in 2021, India executed a humanitarian mission that evacuated 669 individuals, including 448 Indians and 206 Afghans, while ensuring the safe return of five holy saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
• Operation Ganga: In early 2022, the Ukraine conflict prompted a massive evacuation of Indian students, with 18,282 citizens rescued through 90 flights, funded entirely by the Indian government.
• Operation Kaveri: In 2023, amid the Sudan conflict, India successfully brought back 4,097 people, including 136 foreigners, utilizing various air and sea routes.
• Operation Ajay: During the hostilities in Israel in 2023, 1,343 individuals were evacuated, comprising 1,309 Indians and others.
• Operation Indravati: In March 2024, amidst civil unrest in Haiti, 17 Indian nationals were airlifted safely to the Dominican Republic.
• Humanitarian airlift operation from Kuwait: Following a tragic fire incident in June 2024 that claimed the lives of 45 Indians, their remains were returned to India on a special IAF aircraft.
• Evacuation from Syria: In December 2024, the Indian government evacuated 75 nationals, including 44 Zaireen from Jammu and Kashmir, amidst political unrest.