There are about 18,000-odd Indian citizens in Israel, MEA says
The tarmac at New Delhi's international airport was abuzz with emotion early Friday (October 14, 2023) morning as the first Operation Ajay flight touched down, bringing with it 212 relieved Indian citizens from Israel amidst escalating tensions in the region.

"Welcome to the homeland! 1st #OperationAjay flight carrying 212 citizens touches down in New Delhi," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi wrote on social media platform X as he shared photographs of Indian nationals after their arrival.

India launched Operation Ajay on Wednesday, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar making an announcement on X. "Launching #OperationAjay to facilitate the return from Israel of our citizens who wish to return. Special charter flights and other arrangements being put in place. Fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad."

Later, in a packed weekly media briefing on Thursday, Bagchi, detailed the inception and objectives of Operation Ajay. "The operation was initiated to facilitate the return of our citizens from Israel who wish to come back," Bagchi said. The decision follows recent developments in Israel, with increasing concerns for the safety of Indian nationals residing there.

There are about 18,000-odd Indian citizens in Israel and a small percentage of that are Indian students, Bagchi informed.

The ongoing war between Israel and Palestine-based Hamas militants has seen close to 3,000 people being killed from both sides. Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israeli locations early on Saturday (October 7, 2023), using hundreds of rockets and sending in armed groups through the fencing around the Gaza strip.

The Israeli Defence Forces have responded with their full might using air power to target what they say are locations of the Hamas leadership in the Gaza area.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the MEA Spokesperson emphasized, "A situation where there is conflict ongoing is of concern." He urged Indian citizens in the region to heed advisories from the Indian Mission in Tel Aviv and to reach out if they require assistance.

In response to questions about the number of Indians who have registered for evacuation, Bagchi clarified that the situation is fluid. "This is a dynamic situation. It's evolving. We are addressing it based on the number of flights and the demand for them," he explained.

While the immediate focus of the Indian government is on ensuring the safe return of its citizens, the Spokesperson also highlighted India's broader position in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. He reiterated the Prime Minister's statements on the matter and emphasized that the current Indian priority is the safety of its nationals.

Questions from the media touched on various aspects of the situation, from security concerns to potential collaboration between countries for evacuations. When probed about a potential barter system of transporting citizens, as some European countries have reportedly been doing, Bagchi clarified, "There's no barter. We have chartered a flight for bringing people back."

Addressing concerns about the safety of Indians still in the region, he said, "I would request Indians in Israel, if you haven't registered with the Embassy, please do register." This would assist the government in planning further evacuations if necessary.

The Ministry, while confirming one injury of an Indian caregiver from Kerala during an attack by Hamas, was relieved to report no other known casualties among Indians.

Responding to a question about Indian nationals in Gaza, the MEA Spokesperson said there where are reports of a few Indian citizens there. Although there were constraints in bringing them out immediately, efforts are ongoing, and the Indian government is committed to providing necessary assistance, he added.

Operation Ajay, named after the Sanskrit word for "unconquerable", epitomizes India's dedication to its citizens abroad. As the geopolitical situation in the Middle East remains uncertain, the Indian government's commitment to the safety of its nationals stands unwavering. Future flights and plans are set to be unveiled as the situation progresses.

INDIA'S STAND ON THE ISRAEL-HAMAS SITUATION

As the Israel-Hamas conflict intensifies, several discussions and debates have risen across various platforms, many seeking clarity on India's stand on the matter. Here is what the MEA Official Spokesperson said in response to questions at the weekly media briefing on Thursday. 

India's View on Hamas: As you are aware, the designation of a terrorist organization under Indian laws is a legal matter. I would refer you to the relevant authorities in this. I think we've been very clear that we see this as a terrorist attack. But on the designation part, the relevant authorities are best place to respond to it.

India's Stand on Palestine: Our policy in this regard has been long-standing and consistent. India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine, living within secure and recognized borders side by side at peace with Israel. And I think that position remains the same.

Recent Developments: Our focus is to assist our citizens. But there is an universal obligation, I think, to observe international humanitarian law. There is also a global responsibility to fight the menace of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. And I think that accurately sums up how we look at this position.

Diplomatic Connections with Middle-East Nations: In the intricate web of international diplomacy, India is in continuous conversation with many nations. Recent conversations include the External Affairs Minister's dialogue with his UAE counterpart. However, specifics on these discussions are reserved for official announcements.

IMEC and its Current Status: The IMEC, the initiative like that, these are initiatives with long-term significance and what you are talking about in terms of what we are addressing in terms of let's say Operation Ajay is a response to a terrorist attack and what we have to do. So I think those are not comparable. We value the IMEC as an initiative with long-term significance.