SRINAGAR: The Government of India (GOI) has spent more than Rs 90 crore over the last two years to evacuate 9,779 Indian nationals stranded in war-torn countries, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told the Lok Sabha.
According to official data, the largest operation was Operation Kaveri in Sudan in 2023, which rescued 4,097 Indians along with 136 foreign nationals for Rs 45.63 crore. Later that year, Operation Ajay brought back 1,343 people, including OCI cardholders and foreign nationals, from Israel at Rs 16.87 crore.
In 2024, Operation Indravati evacuated 17 people from Haiti (Rs 48.34 lakh), and 77 Indians were rescued from Syria (Rs 39.95 lakh). This year, Operation Sindhu has so far airlifted 3,597 Indians from Iran at a cost of Rs 27.68 crore, and 818 more from Israel. All evacuations were carried out free of cost for those rescued, with the government covering transport, food, lodging, and other logistical support.
Singh said the government monitors conflict situations closely, issues travel advisories, and maintains 24×7 helplines for Indians abroad. Evacuation efforts involve coordination with foreign governments, domestic and international airlines, shipping companies, and Indian missions to ensure citizens’ safety in war-prone areas.
