“OPERATION AJAY”

Blog By: Priyanka Rana

“Operation Ajay” Launched to Repatriate Indians from Israel Amidst Tensions

India unveiled “Operation Ajay” in response to the escalating conflict triggered by Hamas attacks on Israeli towns, aiming to bring back stranded Indian citizens from Israel. Currently, about 18,000 Indians reside in Israel, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the operation, highlighting India’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad.

Here are key details about Operation Ajay:

1. Evacuation of Indian Citizens from Israel: The Indian government is organizing special charter flights and other measures to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens from Israel.
2. First Repatriation Flight: The initial group of Indian citizens is set to be repatriated from Israel via a special flight on Thursday.
3. Emailed Notifications: The Indian embassy in Israel has already reached out to the first batch of registered Indian citizens eligible for the special flight. Subsequent notifications will be sent to other registered individuals for future flights.
4. Emergency Assistance: Emergency control rooms and helplines have been established in Delhi, Tel Aviv, and Ramallah to monitor the situation and provide assistance to Indian citizens in these areas. The Indian External Affairs Minister has also engaged with counterparts from other nations to discuss the ongoing crisis in the West Asia region.
5. Contact Information for Control Room: For assistance, the Delhi control room can be reached at the toll-free phone number 1800118797. Additional contact numbers include 91-11 23012113, 91-11-23014104, 91-11-23017905, and 919968291988. Inquiries can also be directed to the email address situationroom@mea.gov.in.

Kobbi Shoshani, the Consul General of Israel in Mumbai, expressed solidarity with Operation Ajay and acknowledged the significant Indian community in Israel, including students and the business community.

The recent series of attacks by Hamas militants in Gaza and Israel’s subsequent response have resulted in a substantial loss of life, with casualties on both sides. Israeli authorities have reported over 1,200 deaths, including 155 soldiers, while the Palestinian side estimates around 950 deaths in Gaza.