The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday successfully brought back 224 Indian nationals from war-hit Israel, marking another milestone in the ongoing Operation Sindhu. This latest evacuation brings the total number of Indians safely repatriated under the mission to 818.
Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje welcomed the returnees at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad.
The Ministry of External Affairs shared the update on social media, stating, “The safety and security of Indian nationals remain a priority for the government.”
The C-17 aircraft of the IAF has been central to the mission, transporting not only Indian nationals but also citizens of friendly nations like Nepal and Sri Lanka. The evacuation began on June 23 via Jordan, with the first flight carrying 161 people arriving in Delhi from Amman. This was followed by the airlift of 286 individuals from Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, later that same day.
Meanwhile, the evacuation drive also continues from Iran. As of now, 2,858 Indian nationals have been safely brought back from Tehran and nearby affected areas.
Launched in the wake of escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, Operation Sindhu underscores India’s proactive stance in safeguarding its diaspora during times of international crisis.