Operation Ajay / Return of 212 Indians stranded in Israel to their homeland, Union Minister Rajiv Chandrashekhar welcomed

Operation Ajay: A fierce war continues between Israel and Hamas. Citizens of many countries have also died in this war. Amidst all this, India has started Operation Ajay for the safe return of its citizens from Israel. In this series, the first batch of 212 Indian citizens from Israel reached New Delhi Airport this morning by flight AI1140. During this time, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar was present at the airport to welcome the passengers who returned to their country from Israel. The first charter flight carrying 212 Indians who wanted to leave the country amid Israel's war had left from Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday.

Government committed to protect every Indian

At Delhi airport, Union Minister Rajiv Chandrashekhar said that our government will never leave any Indian behind. Our government, our Prime Minister is committed to protecting them and bringing them back home safely. We are grateful to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and his team for bringing our children back home safely.

#WATCH | First flight carrying 212 Indian nationals from Israel, lands at Delhi airport; received by Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar pic.twitter.com/uB71qIBmJy

— ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2023

Air India stopped flights after terrorist attack

After the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, Air India immediately stopped its flights. Those returning from Israel do not have to pay any fare. The government is bearing the expenses of their return. Earlier, a long queue of Indians, including students, was seen at the airport to board the special flight operated under 'Operation Ajay' from Tel Aviv.

Announcement to start ‘Operation Ajay’ on Wednesday

The Government of India had announced the launch of 'Operation Ajay' on Wednesday. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar wrote on social media platform X, 'Operation Ajay is being launched to facilitate the return of our citizens who wish to return from Israel. Special charter flights and other arrangements are being made.' The External Affairs Minister stressed, 'We are fully committed to the safety and well-being of our citizens abroad.'

Thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

An Indian citizen who returned from Israel said that this is the first time that we are facing this situation there. We are very grateful to the Government of India, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for bringing us back. We are hoping for peace in Israel, so that we can go back to work as soon as possible.

Use of Air Force if necessary

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said that if needed, the Air Force will also be used, for now charter flights are being used, about 212 people are being brought back this morning. The Ministry of External Affairs said that we appeal to our Indian citizens living in Israel to register with the Embassy soon.

About 18 thousand Indians in Israel

According to the information, about 18000 Indians are in Israel. There are also a large number of students in it. The Ministry of External Affairs said that there is no news of any Indian casualty so far. We are in contact with the one person who was injured, currently he is in the hospital.

Indians trapped in West Bank and Gaza too

Arindam Bagchi said that AF's C-17, C-230, IL-76 are on standby mode. He also said that there are about a dozen Indians in the West Bank and 3-4 Indians in Gaza too, we are in touch with them, they will be brought back. He said that India has reiterated its policy on Palestine, two state solution. Bagchi said that following humanitarian law is an international obligation. Along with this, there is also a global responsibility to fight international terrorism.

Operation Ajay started for citizens

The Ministry of External Affairs said that India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations with Israel for the establishment of a sovereign, viable State of Palestine living at peace. The spokesperson had said on Thursday that Operation Ajay was started for the convenience of our citizens.

Passengers will not have to pay fare

He said that this flight has been arranged to facilitate the return of people. Because Air India had suspended its flights on October 7, the day the fighting started. The Ministry of External Affairs also made it clear that those returning will not have to pay any fare, the government is bearing the expenses of their return.

Students expressed gratitude

Regarding Operation Ajay, Shubham Kumar, a student in Israel, said that we are grateful to the government, most of the students were a little nervous. Then suddenly we saw some notifications and links for every Indian citizen through the Indian Embassy, which boosted our morale. We felt as if the Indian Embassy was connected and with us, which was a kind of relief for us. Then we got all the arrangements.

#WATCH | Israel: "I am very happy. It has been very scary here... Thank you Indian government for this evacuation..," says Visesh an Indian passenger returning to India from Tel Aviv under 'Operation Ajay' pic.twitter.com/8cL2p5AkhX

— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2023

Thousands of people have died so far

According to media reports, the Israeli Army said that so far more than 1300 people, including 222 soldiers, have been killed in Israel. Such a large number of deaths have not been seen since the weeks-long war with Egypt and Syria in 1973. According to officials there, at least 1,417 people, including women and children, have been killed in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.