The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has disclosed that approximately 1200 Indian citizens have been successfully evacuated from Israel under Operation Ajay. This operation was initiated by the Indian Armed Forces in response to the escalating conflict with Hamas. The evacuation efforts come as a response to the growing threat to the safety of Indian nationals in the region. The conflict, which began on October 7, has been marked by an unfortunate toll on civilians and has led to the loss of more than a thousand lives.
India has unequivocally condemned the recent horrific terrorist attack on Israel, which served as a catalyst for the outbreak of the hostilities. The attack, perpetrated by Hamas, resulted in a tragic loss of innocent lives. The Indian government, through its spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, expressed its strong condemnation of this attack. Bagchi stressed the importance of the international community uniting to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
The stance taken by India regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict is notable. While firmly supporting Israel’s right to self-defense and condemning terrorist attacks on it, India also advocates for the establishment of a “sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine.” This dual approach reflects India’s commitment to a peaceful and just resolution of the conflict through direct negotiations, ultimately aiming for a two-state solution. The MEA has reiterated this position, emphasizing the need for direct negotiations as the most viable path to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
Furthermore, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern about the rising number of civilian casualties in the conflict. It called for the strict adherence to international humanitarian laws to minimize harm to innocent individuals caught in the crossfire. The protection of civilians and respect for their rights during times of conflict is a fundamental principle of international law, and India underlines the importance of upholding these principles in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
As the situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile, Arindam Bagchi urged the international community to stand together in the fight against terrorism in all its forms. The risk of a broader regional conflict remains a cause for concern, and global cooperation in combating terrorism is essential to maintain stability and security in the region and beyond.
For the safety and assistance of Indian citizens in Israel, the MEA has established a 24-hour control room, and the Indian embassy in Israel has been actively engaged in providing support to Indian companies and citizens. Additionally, India has set up a helpline to assist its citizens in need of help.
Operation Ajay, conducted by the Indian Armed Forces, has been instrumental in evacuating stranded Indian citizens from Israel. The operation has successfully brought back nearly 1200 people to their homeland. Registration is still ongoing, with plans to evacuate approximately 18,000 Indians in Israel. The Indian government is committed to ensuring the welfare and security of its citizens in the face of the ongoing conflict and remains steadfast in its efforts to provide support and assistance as required.
