Around 1200 Indian nationals, including 18 Nepalis, have been brought back from Israel as part of 'Operation Ajay,' and more flights will be scheduled as needed, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi also stated that the Israeli government is assessing the situation in the midst of the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
"1200 Indians have returned in five flights under operation Ajay, including 18 Nepali nationals," Bagchi said at a press conference."We are assessing the situation and will plan additional flights as needed."
He denied any Indian casualties in Gaza and stated that one national was injured in the attacks. "I thankfully have not received any report of any casualty...one Indian national had been injured and is receiving medical care and I understand her condition is now stable," he said.
According to the MEA spokesperson, there are approximately four Indian nationals in Gaza and 12-13 nationals in the West Bank. "Roughly four Indian nationals are in Gaza...we don't have exact numbers and are coordinating. In the West Bank, there are 12-13 Indian nationals...It's a little difficult to leave Gaza. Some reports have already gotten out of there, but we'll wait for confirmation," he said.
Bagchi also stated that the MEA has not yet issued an advisory for Lebanon. "As of now, we have not issued any advisory for Lebanon. We are monitoring the situation and will issue a statement if necessary," he said.
The Indian Armed Forces are currently conducting Operation Ajay to evacuate Indian citizens from Israel during the 2023 Israel-Hamas war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched it in order to repatriate approximately 18,000 Indians living in Israel.
Earlier on Tuesday night, the fifth flight, carrying 286 Indian nationals, including 18 Nepalese citizens, landed in New Delhi. When they arrived, they were greeted by L Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. Indian nationals praised the operation, claiming that the Indian embassy provided assistance and that the evacuation process was pleasant and quick.
Following the Hamas attack on Israel, the Indian embassy issued an advisory, advising Indian citizens living in Israel to exercise caution and register their names with the Indian embassy. In light of the escalating conflict, the MEA established a 24-hour control room. The control room will assist in monitoring the situation as well as providing information and assistance.