New Delhi, June 24(HS): Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated evacuation missions for Indian citizens and those from allied nations, utilizing its C-17 aircraft. Under Operation Sindhu, 161 Indians were evacuated from Israel to Delhi, followed by the evacuation of 292 Indians from Mashhad, Iran, amid rising hostilities between Israel and Iran. The IAF confirmed that these operations are aimed at securing the safe return of nationals from conflict-affected areas, launching from bases in Jordan and Egypt. The situation necessitated emergency evacuations for various nations, and the IAF stepped in, prepared for humanitarian missions.

The evacuated individuals from Israel landed in Delhi on Tuesday morning, welcomed by Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. L. Murugan and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. The evacuations began on June 23, reflecting the Indian government's commitment to aiding citizens amid regional instability. In parallel, the operation to remove individuals from Iran was equally urgent, coinciding with intensified military actions following Israel's airstrikes on Iranian assets, which led to retaliatory measures from Iran involving drone and missile attacks. The IAF's readiness as a first responder underscores its role in facilitating assistance during crises, both domestically and internationally.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar