India’s Global Evacuation Missions Reflect Commitment to Protect Citizens Abroad

India has demonstrated remarkable commitment in protecting its citizens stranded in conflict zones and crisis situations across the world through swift, well-coordinated, and large-scale evacuation missions in recent years. These efforts have reinforced India’s reputation as one of the most proactive and responsive nations when it comes to safeguarding its people overseas.

Beyond rescuing its own citizens, India has also extended help to foreign nationals during emergencies, earning international appreciation for its humanitarian approach and spirit of global solidarity.

Through swift diplomatic engagement, seamless coordination between government agencies, and efficient military logistics, thousands of Indians have been safely brought home from dangerous situations. Major evacuation initiatives such as Operation Raahat, Operation Sankat Mochan, Operation Ganga, and Operation Kaveri have helped thousands escape conflict-hit regions and return home safely.

As the recent United States–Iran conflict escalated, the Government of India closely monitored developments around the clock and accelerated evacuation efforts through all possible channels. Authorities also ensured that airfares remained stable and accessible for citizens seeking to return home.

“The safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad remains our utmost priority. We cannot remain impervious to developments that may negatively affect them,” the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

Passengers returning to India have expressed gratitude for the government’s timely intervention. One traveller who arrived in Ahmedabad from Dubai said he was relieved to be back home and thankful for the government’s support. Across Indian airports, families gathered to welcome relatives returning from the war-affected Gulf region, expressing appreciation for the swift action taken by authorities.

During the Iran–Israel tensions in mid-2025, India had also carried out an evacuation mission by moving citizens out of conflict zones through neighbouring countries and then flying them back home. The operation, named Operation Sindhu, saw evacuees transported through Armenia before being flown to India on special flights.

Many of those rescued described the process as smooth and well organised, with temporary accommodation provided in comfortable facilities while travel arrangements were made.

Sehrish Rafique from Kashmir said she was surprised by the level of support extended by the Indian Embassy. “At first I could not believe the embassy would make so much effort for us. All Kashmiris are really thankful to the Indian government,” she said. Another evacuee, Mir Mohammad Musharraf from Pulwama, described the operation as extremely helpful and praised the embassy’s role in ensuring their safety.

Similarly, during the Russia–Ukraine war, India launched Operation Ganga and evacuated more than 23,000 citizens along with 147 foreign nationals from 18 countries. Evacuees were first transported to neighbouring countries including Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldova before being flown back to India on special civilian and military flights.

One student from Gujarat recalled the support provided by the Indian Embassy in Ukraine, saying the assistance was invaluable during the difficult period and expressing gratitude to the Government of India for ensuring their safe return.

In a demonstration of its “humanity first” approach, India also assisted students from other countries during the operation, including those from Pakistan. One such student, Asma Shafique, thanked the Indian Embassy in Kyiv for supporting them during a very difficult situation and expressed hope of reaching home safely because of the help received.

India has conducted similar missions in other crisis situations as well. Under Operation Devi Shakti in 2021, the country evacuated 669 people from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover of Kabul, including 206 Afghans belonging to vulnerable minority communities. Then Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Rudrendra Tandon said the mission concluded successfully after weeks of complex efforts, with all evacuees returning safely.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, India launched the unprecedented Vande Bharat Mission, one of the largest civilian evacuation exercises in history. The mission brought back around 6.75 million Indians stranded across the world due to travel restrictions and lockdowns.

Describing the mission, then Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said it represented hope and reassurance for millions of citizens, ensuring that Indians abroad would not be left behind during difficult times.

In addition, the Indian Navy launched Operation Samudra Setu, deploying naval vessels to bring back nearly 3,992 stranded citizens from various countries.

Earlier, in 2015, India conducted Operation Raahat during the Yemen conflict, evacuating 6,688 people including 1,947 foreign nationals from 48 countries. Among those rescued were citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Pakistan.

The operation received widespread international praise. The United States Department of State expressed gratitude for India’s assistance in evacuating American citizens, while Germany’s then Ambassador to India Michael Steiner publicly thanked India for helping rescue German nationals. The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom also acknowledged India’s efforts.

Responding to the global appreciation, an Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the mission reflected India’s humanitarian values. “Humanity knows no borders. We will be happy to help anyone who seeks our assistance if it is possible,” the spokesperson said.

Through these operations, India has consistently demonstrated that the safety of its citizens abroad remains a top priority, while also extending a helping hand to people of other nations in times of crisis.