Indian Air Force begins evacuation flights from Jordan and Egypt amid West Asia tensions
The
Indian Air Force
(IAF) has launched evacuation operations to bring back Indian nationals and citizens of friendly countries from
conflict-affected areas
in West Asia. The missions are being conducted using
IAF C-17 aircraft
from bases in Jordan and Egypt.
The IAF confirmed the development through an official statement on social media. "In response to heightened tensions in conflict affected areas in West Asia, IAF C-17 aircraft commenced missions from Jordan and Egypt to extricate Indian nationals, and citizens of friendly countries," the statement said.
— IAF_MCC (@IAF_MCC)
These operations follow rising tensions in the region, prompting multiple countries to arrange emergency evacuation for their citizens. The IAF has been activated to carry out these flights as part of its role in humanitarian and emergency missions.
The Air Force also said it would remain ready to assist in such situations. 'The IAF remains committed as first responders to provide assistance within the country and across the globe in times of need,' the statement added.
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A total of 161 Indian nationals arrived in Delhi from Israel on Tuesday as part of
Operation Sindhu
. Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, received them at the airport.
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161 Indian nationals arrive in Delhi from Israel under Operation Sindhu: MEA
Operation Sindhu: 827 Indian nationals returned to India from Iran so far, says MEA
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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the evacuation effort from Israel began on June 23. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government remains focused on ensuring the safety of Indians living overseas. The initiative aims to assist Indian nationals wishing to leave Israel amid the rising regional tensions with Iran. The MEA added that evacuees are being transported over land from within Israel and then flown to India.
In a separate leg of the operation, 292 Indian nationals were brought back from Iran. They landed in New Delhi on a special flight from Mashhad, also on Tuesday.
The evacuation follows the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, which began on June 13 after Israel launched major airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites under "Operation Rising Lion." Iran responded with "Operation True Promise 3," involving drones and missiles aimed at key Israeli energy and defence targets.
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