India Demonstrates Deep Commitment to Citizens Abroad with Swift Evacuation from War-Hit Israel
In a powerful display of compassion, coordination, and national resolve, the Government of India has evacuated 603 Indian nationals from conflict-ridden Israel in just two days as part of Operation Sindhu.
This large-scale evacuation reflects India’s unwavering concern for the safety and well-being of its citizens living or studying overseas, especially during times of crisis.
On Monday, the second wave of evacuations saw two large groups of 175 and 268 Indian nationals, respectively, cross into Jordan and Egypt through Israel’s western borders.
This followed the successful exit of 160 people on Sunday, who had earlier reached Jordan before flying out under arrangements made by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The escalating hostilities in Israel, marked by regular missile and drone attacks from Iran and its proxies, had left Indian nationals—particularly those in cities like Haifa, Beersheba, Ramat Gan, and Rehovot—living in constant fear.
Sirens warning of incoming attacks had become a grim routine, forcing residents to repeatedly seek shelter in fortified bunkers and safe rooms.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv promptly activated a 24/7 Control Room to manage and oversee the evacuation mission.
This Control Room was tasked with coordinating every aspect of the operation—from compiling an accurate and updated database of Indian nationals, to issuing emergency advisories, processing online registrations, and fielding thousands of distress calls and emails.
“Evacuation priorities were set based on humanitarian criteria—medical conditions, presence of children, women, and students were all factored in,” said embassy officials, noting that proactive outreach by phone and email helped streamline the process.
Behind this meticulously managed effort was direct monitoring at the highest levels of the Indian government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was reportedly receiving real-time updates and remained actively involved in overseeing the safety of Indian citizens abroad.
His continued engagement reflected a central philosophy of India’s foreign policy: the protection of Indian lives comes first.
The MEA officially launched Operation Sindhu on June 19, reinforcing India’s growing reputation as a nation that prioritizes the interests of its diaspora, especially in volatile international scenarios.
“Operation Sindhu stands as a testament to India’s rising global stature as a reliable first responder and as a country deeply committed to its people, no matter where they are in the world,” read a statement from the Indian mission in Israel.
Both the governments of Israel and its neighboring countries, Jordan and Egypt, extended essential support in facilitating the safe and timely passage of evacuees across their borders.
Indian embassies in Amman and Cairo played a pivotal role in receiving evacuees and assisting in their onward travel back to India.
This humanitarian mission now joins a growing list of high-stakes evacuation operations undertaken by India in recent years, such as:
- Operation Ganga (Ukraine),
- Operation Devi Shakti (Afghanistan),
- Operation Kaveri (Sudan), and
- Operation Ajay (Israel, October 2023).
These missions have become synonymous with India’s image as a capable, compassionate, and globally alert democracy that responds rapidly to protect its citizens.
There are currently over 40,000 Indian nationals residing in Israel, including over 1,000 students, thousands of caregivers and construction workers, professionals, and others.
While many have chosen to remain, those in high-risk areas have been encouraged to register for evacuation. The embassy in Tel Aviv continues to urge unregistered individuals to come forward, ensuring that no one is left behind.
“The safety and security of Indian nationals is of paramount importance. The government will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide all possible assistance,” MEA officials confirmed.
India’s proactive and well-coordinated response not only brings relief to hundreds of families but also reaffirms the nation’s strong and growing ability to care for its citizens, regardless of where in the world they are.
