'Operation Ajay' continues: Fourth flight lands in Delhi with 274 Indian evacuees

New Delhi, October 15: On Sunday, the fourth flight as part of 'Operation Ajay' touched down in the national capital, carrying 274 Indian passengers who were evacuated from Israel. Union Minister of State, General (Retd) VK Singh, extended a warm welcome to the Indian passengers upon their arrival at the airport. During their interactions, tricolours were presented to each passenger as a symbol of their safe return.

MoS for Road Transport and Highways, VK Singh, shared that additional evacuation flights are planned to transport Indian citizens from Israel, addressing the pressing concerns arising from the current situation. He explained, "This is the 4th flight, we are expecting more for a couple of reasons. One is the fear that something might hit them. After having been taken by surprise, Israel also gathered its things in a more orderly manner. However, the universities being closed, a general atmosphere of fear and preparation that is going on in Israel, our people fear that they should not unnecessarily become burden out there and come back home. And go back when things pan out in a better manner."

He encouraged citizens not to panic and to comply with the instructions provided, assuring that another flight is scheduled for the following day. "There is another flight coming in tomorrow. We will keep running the flights till all the people who have registered are taken out. This operation is going very well. It is seamless, well organized... My message would be to stay where you are and follow the instructions. There is no need to panic," he added.

Indian passengers arriving from Israel conveyed their gratitude to the Modi government for executing 'Operation Ajay' and ensuring the safe evacuation of Indian citizens. One Indian student shared, "In the beginning it was horrific. Everything was uncontrollable. But now the situation is under control. The government and military are taking very strict action...Thank you, it was the best initiative (Operation Ajay) taken by the government of India..."

Another Indian national named Sumit explained, "In Tel Aviv, the situation is normal. But in the south and north Israel, there are chances of war. That's why we returned...The government did a very good job. They responded very fast within 2-3 days."

Indian passengers praised the operation, acknowledging support from the Indian embassy, and expressing their satisfaction with the efficiency of the evacuation process. Priya Gupta stated, "I was in Tel Aviv University for the past two years... There was support from the Indian embassy as well... I feel thankful to the Indian government for making this arrangement. It was really quick."

Dipender Pawari, another Indian national, added, "We were in Tel Aviv, and that area is very safe. Initially, for the first two days, we were afraid, but the fear was more in the border area. There was no problem in Tel Aviv, but there was little panic. There was uncertainty about what would happen?... The evacuation process was very nice and quick. We applied for it a day before yesterday and got the flight yesterday."

In addition to the 274 Indian passengers, ten citizens of Uttarakhand also arrived in Delhi. They were received by a representative from the Uttarakhand Government, and arrangements were made to ensure their safe travel to their respective destinations.

A senior lady named Pushpa Singh expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am from Uttarakhand. I had gone to Israel to meet my daughter but got stranded after the bombing started. I contacted the Embassy, and they provided all the necessary help and arrangements. I thank the Indian government for this."

'Operation Ajay,' initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to repatriate around 18,000 Indians from Israel. Registration for Indian citizens began on Thursday.

The situation in Israel has grown increasingly tense after an attack that resulted in over 1,300 Israelis, primarily civilians, losing their lives, as Hamas militants breached the border. Retaliatory strikes from Israel also claimed the lives of over 1,000 Palestinians.

The Indian embassy in Israel continues to provide assistance to Indian nationals and has established a helpline to support those in need of aid. In response to the escalating conflict, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has established a 24-hour control room to monitor the situation and offer information and assistance.