India’s Humanitarian Endeavor: Bringing Citizens Home from Israel
Operation Ajay: Rescuing Indian Citizens from Israel
India has initiated a substantial effort to facilitate the safe return of its citizens from a troubled Israel. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar revealed this important initiative on a late Wednesday announcement. To ensure the swift return of Indian nationals, special chartered flights are being meticulously organized. Notably, this marks the second major evacuation operation in 2023, following the successful Operation Kaveri, which rescued thousands of Indian citizens from strife-ridden Sudan during April and May.
The urgency of ‘Operation Ajay’ is heightened by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has claimed more than 3,600 lives, with over 1,000 Israelis among the casualties. Israel’s targeting of densely populated areas has resulted in significant destruction and loss of life. In response to the escalating crisis, India has stepped in to ensure the safety of its citizens residing in Israel, a critical initiative given the precarious situation on the ground.
Requests from Indian States
The proactive approach to ‘Operation Ajay’ was further accentuated by requests from Indian states. On Tuesday, Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, penned a letter to External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, expressing concern for the approximately 7,000 Kerala residents currently in Israel and urging intervention to safeguard their well-being. Similarly, the Tamil Nadu government released a statement confirming that they have received reports about 84 individuals from their state who find themselves stranded in Israel. These individuals had journeyed to Israel for various purposes, including education, business pursuits, and tourism. These state-level appeals underscore the significance and urgency of the evacuation operation.
‘Operation Ajay’ is initiated at a critical juncture, with roughly 18,000 Indian citizens currently residing in Israel, a significant portion of whom find themselves situated in areas affected by the ongoing conflict. Notably, the External Affairs Ministry’s most recent data indicates that there are approximately 900 Indian students pursuing advanced academic degrees in Israel, with a primary focus on doctoral and post-doctoral studies.
Additionally, the number of Indian citizens in Israel may be even more substantial. On May 9, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, formalized an agreement allowing 42,000
Indians to work as caregivers in Israel. Prior to the recent conflict, a significant number of caregivers had already arrived in Israel from India. Moreover, there is a community of around 85,000 Israeli citizens of Indian origin who hold Israeli passports, many of whom maintain strong personal and professional ties with India.
Israel-Hamas Conflict: A Looming Humanitarian Crisis
Tragically, the death toll in the Israel-Hamas conflict has been rising rapidly. Recent reports indicate that more than 3,600 lives have been lost in the ongoing violence. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has been carrying out retaliatory airstrikes in response to the loss of over 1,000 Israeli lives. Regrettably, Israel has continued to target neighbourhoods in the densely populated coastal enclave, causing significant destruction and loss of life.
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and a prominent opposition figure, Benny Gantz, have reached a significant consensus to establish a temporary emergency government. Furthermore, both leaders have collaborated to create a specialized “war management cabinet” dedicated to addressing the ongoing conflict. In a joint statement, they declared, “Throughout the duration of the conflict, no legislative bills or government decisions unrelated to the management of the war will be advanced.”
India’s Humanitarian Legacy
In a world often fraught with crises and disasters, India has consistently demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian aid and relief efforts. Over the past year, the nation embarked on several remarkable missions to aid those in distress. From evacuating Indian students from Ukraine in ‘Operation Ganga’ to extending a helping hand to earthquake-affected Turkey and Syria in ‘Operation Dost,’ India’s proactive stance on global humanitarian efforts shines. These operations transcend geopolitical boundaries and resonate with the principles of compassion and solidarity.
1. Operation Ganga: Rescuing Indian Students from Ukraine
More than a year ago, India faced a formidable challenge: evacuating its students stranded in Ukraine during the conflict with Russia. The operation to accomplish this task was aptly named ‘Operation Ganga.’ Led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, this mission showcased India’s determination to safeguard its citizens in times of crisis.
2. Operation Devi Shakti: Supporting Afghanistan During the Taliban Crisis
During a period when Afghanistan was grappling with the turmoil caused by the Taliban’s resurgence, India launched ‘Operation Devi Shakti.’ This operation was not only a lifeline to the beleaguered Afghan population but also a symbol of solidarity between nations in times of adversity.
2.1. The Significance of Operation Devi Shakti
The name ‘Devi Shakti’ holds a profound meaning. It draws inspiration from the Hindu goddess Durga, renowned for her protective nature. Just as Goddess Durga aids those in distress, ‘Operation Devi Shakti’ was a beacon of hope for Afghanistan, boosting the morale of people confronting turbulent circumstances.
3. Operation Dost: Extending a Hand to Turkey and Syria
In a display of unwavering friendship and goodwill, India extended assistance to earthquake-stricken Turkey and Syria through ‘Operation Dost.’ This operation was a testament to India’s commitment to global humanitarian aid, reaffirming the old adage that “a friend in need is a friend indeed.”
3.1. The Gratitude of Turkey and Syria
The citizens of Turkey and Syria were not only appreciative of the assistance provided by India but also found the name ‘Operation Dost’ fitting. Turkish Ambassador to India Firat Sunel expressed his gratitude by saying, “Dost kara gunde belli olur (a friend in need is a friend indeed).” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the essence of India’s humanitarian missions.
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