India Launches "Operation Ajay" to Safeguard Indians in Israel Amid Escalating Conflict

Operation Ajay: In the face of a full-blown war with the Hamas group in Gaza, India has launched "Operation Ajay," a critical mission aimed at facilitating the safe return of its citizens from Israel. With an estimated 18,000 Indians residing in Israel, this operation signifies India's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its nationals abroad.

What is Operation Ajay?

Amid the ongoing strife in the Middle East, Operation Ajay was launched as a lifeline for Indian citizens caught in the crossfire. The situation escalated as Hamas militants launched a series of brazen attacks on Israeli towns, prompting a swift response from the Israeli government. With thousands of lives at stake and tensions rising, India took the initiative to bring its citizens back home safely.

1. Operation Ajay is not merely an evacuation effort; rather, it is a mission aimed at bringing back Indian citizens from Israel.
2. Special chartered flights are utilized to repatriate Indians, and if required, Indian Navy ships will be deployed to assist in the operation.
3. Operation Ajay is executed to assist Indians in Israel who wish to return home. This group encompasses approximately 18,000 Indians, including students, professionals, and traders. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the launch of #OperationAjay, emphasizing the government's commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. Additionally, Minister Jaishankar held discussions with the UAE's Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed.
4. The first flight under Operation Ajay is scheduled for Thursday, with the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv already contacting the initial group of registered Indian nationals in Israel. Subsequent flights will be arranged for other registered individuals.
5. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced that approximately 230 Indian citizens will be repatriated from Israel via a chartered flight on October 13 as part of Operation Ajay.
6. Two flights from Tel Aviv carrying a total of 471 Indians landed in the national capital on October 15.
7. The Ministry of External Affairs said that nearly ‘1200 Indians had come back from Israel under Operation Ajay’
8. A 24-hour control center in New Delhi is actively monitoring the situation in Israel and Palestine. You can reach this control center at the following numbers: 1800118797 (toll-free), +91-11 23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905, and +919968291988. Additionally, you can email them at situationroom@mea.gov.in. The Indian embassy's 24-hour emergency helpline is also accessible at +972-35226748 and +972-543278392, with an email contact at cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in.
9. The initial group of Indian citizens is expected to be repatriated from Israel via a special flight on 12th of October 2023.

Regarding the safety of Indian nationals in Israel, Israel's Consul General in Mumbai, Kobbi Shoshani, reported that there was no information about any Indian nationals being injured or killed during the ongoing conflict. Notably, actor Nushrratt Bharuccha was in Israel attending the Haifa International Film Festival when the conflict began, and she was safely brought back to India. In a similar vein, around 27 individuals from Meghalaya, including Rajya Sabha member Wanweiroy Kharlukhi, were stranded in Bethlehem when the conflict erupted. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) facilitated their safe passage to Egypt.

Components of Operation Ajay

There are various major steps taken to run Operation Ajay Smoothy. Let us look at them below -

Special Charter Flights and Measures

The Indian government has taken swift and comprehensive measures to guarantee the security of its citizens in Israel. A key component of Operation Ajay involves the organization of special charter flights and other arrangements to facilitate the smooth repatriation of Indians. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that the government is "fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad." These measures aim to ensure that no Indian is left behind in a perilous situation.

The First Wave of Returnees

One of the most critical aspects of Operation Ajay is the expeditious return of those who wish to come back to India. The Indian embassy in Israel acted promptly by contacting the initial batch of registered Indian citizens who expressed their desire to return. This group has been notified that they will be on the first special flight scheduled to depart from Israel to India. The embassy has pledged to send messages to other registered citizens to accommodate subsequent flights.

The Crisis in Israel and Its Ramifications

The conflict in Israel, a result of Hamas's attacks on Israeli territory, has plunged the region into a crisis. Israel responded to these attacks with a massive military operation and formed an emergency government to manage the situation. The situation is dire, with thousands of casualties reported on both sides. The toll on human lives and infrastructure damage is substantial, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the region's future.

Escalation and Regional Tensions

The crisis extends beyond the immediate Israeli-Palestinian conflict, encompassing wider regional tensions. Israel finds itself facing threats on multiple fronts, significantly increasing the complexity of the situation. Along its northern border with Lebanon, Israel has been engaged in a back-and-forth exchange of shelling with Hezbollah, a militant group with ties to Iran. This escalation has further strained the region's stability.

In addition to its interactions with Hezbollah, Israel has also exchanged fire with militants in Syria. The situation is complex, with the potential to further destabilize an already volatile region.

The Importance of International Cooperation

As Operation Ajay unfolds and the crisis in the Middle East persists, international cooperation and diplomatic efforts are of paramount importance. In a region marred by historical conflicts and geopolitical rivalries, bringing about a peaceful resolution is a formidable challenge. India's efforts to repatriate its citizens are not only a testament to its commitment to their safety but also a demonstration of the need for nations to work together in times of crisis.

India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar is actively engaging with his counterparts from various countries to address the ongoing crisis. One notable example is his conversation with the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, where they discussed the West Asia crisis and committed to staying in touch. These diplomatic efforts are crucial in fostering dialogue and finding potential pathways to de-escalation.

In conclusion, Operation Ajay stands as a ray of hope in a region fraught with conflict and uncertainty. India's commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad is underscored by this mission to bring back its nationals from Israel. As the situation in the Middle East remains volatile and complex, the need for international cooperation and diplomacy is evident. The resolution of the crisis requires collective efforts and a commitment to peace.

The first wave of returnees, set to board special flights back to India, marks a significant step in this mission. Their safe return will be a testament to the success of Operation Ajay and the determination to protect Indian citizens wherever they may be. In these challenging times, it is these acts of compassion and responsibility that showcase the true spirit of a nation.