How Did PM Modi's Leadership Shape 'Operation Ganga'?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Operation Ganga successfully evacuated over 20,000 Indian nationals.
- Prime Minister Modi's leadership was crucial for the operation's success.
- The operation showcased India's commitment to its citizens abroad.
- Strategic planning and coordination with foreign nations were key.
- The mission was executed swiftly and efficiently.
New Delhi, Sep 16 (NationPress) Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju reflected on his experiences during 'Operation Ganga' and attributed the successful evacuation of thousands of Indian students stranded in Ukraine at the onset of the war with Russia to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's direct involvement.
In a comprehensive post on the social media platform X, Rijiju noted that around 23,000 Indian students found themselves trapped in the conflict zone when the war erupted in 2022, making their safe return a top priority for the Indian government.
“I can still recall the urgency and determination with which Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji approached the entire rescue operation. His careful planning and active engagement were pivotal to the success of Operation Ganga,” he shared.
Rijiju recounted receiving a call from the Prime Minister around midnight, instructing him to head to Slovakia to manage evacuation efforts.
Due to restrictions on flights operating in Ukrainian airspace, Indian citizens were being transported to neighboring countries.
Rijiju, along with three other Union Ministers, was designated to various border nations to facilitate the mission.
“The following morning, we convened with the Prime Minister and received thorough guidance. By then, all essential preparations had been executed by his office. Visas were in place, documentation was organized, and local teams were deployed in each assigned region,” he stated, noting that Union Ministers maintained direct communication with foreign officials, local authorities, and NGOs.
He remarked that officials in Slovakia and other host countries expressed astonishment at the scale and rapidity of India's evacuation operation.
“No other nation had executed such a well-structured, prompt evacuation effort,” he asserted.
Describing it as a lesson in leadership, Rijiju highlighted that the operation was successful due to PM Modi's foresight and hands-on involvement.
“Being a witness to the operation firsthand revealed to me what authentic leadership truly entails: a profound personal responsibility for every citizen,” he expressed.
Operation Ganga, initiated in February 2022, enabled the evacuation of over 20,000 Indian nationals, primarily students, from Ukraine through neighboring countries like Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia.