Operation Raahat to Operation Sindhu: 12 Indian rescue missions
Since Prime Minister Modi took office in May 2014, the Modi government has made it a priority to safeguard Indian citizens abroad. In the last eleven years, India has conducted a total of twelve imminent rescue operations to bring back thousands of Indians stranded in war zones, disaster zones, and in countries facing unforeseen crises.The most recent operation was Operation Sindhu (2025), which was conducted amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel. This operation successfully evacuated over 285 individuals. The government plans to conduct three additional evacuation flights from Iran in the next two to three days, targeting Indian students, along with further evacuations planned in Israel from conflict-affected areas. This operation highlights India's commitment and ability to protect its citizens, no matter where they are located.advertisementThese operations are directed by the Ministry of External Affairs, with the assistance of the Indian armed forces and the coordination of Indian embassies and high commissions. A total of twelve imminent operations above have set a new precedent for the rapid, massive evacuation of citizens in distress. After, the ambient information regarding the twelve eminent operations draws on India's citizen protection worldwide.
Here is the timeline and details of the 12 operations undertaken by the Modi government over the past 11 years.The 12 Major Rescue Missions (2014–2025):1. Operation Maitri (Nepal Earthquake, April 2015)Launched within hours of the devastating April 25 quake, the operation evacuated over 43,000 Indians using IAF transport aircraft, NDRF teams, and road convoys via border points like Sonauli and Raxaul.2. Operation Raahat (Yemen Civil War, April 2015)India evacuated around 5,600 citizens, including 960 foreign nationals, from Sana'a and Aden. The mission used Air Force and Navy ships under conflict conditions.3. Operation Sankat Mochan (South Sudan, July 2016)After deadly clashes in Juba, two IAF C17 flights rescued over 600 Indians (including some foreign nationals), bringing them safely home.4. Operation Samudra Setu (COVID-19 Sea Evacuation, May–June 2020)The Indian Navy evacuated over 3,900 stranded citizens from the Gulf and island nations (Maldives, Sri Lanka, Iran) via INS Jalashwa and INS Airavat during the pandemic.5. Vande Bharat Mission (Global COVID Airlift, May 2020–May 2021)This massive effort flew back more than 1 million Indians from over 100 countries using Air India and chartered flights, marking one of the largest civilian evacuations in history.6. Operation Devi Shakti (Afghanistan, August 2021)As Kabul fell to the Taliban, India airlifted over 800 people, including Indian nationals and vulnerable Afghans, under high-security conditions.7. Operation Ganga (Ukraine War, February–April 2022)Conflict in Ukraine prompted India to evacuate over 18,000 nationals—mostly students— via 90 flights from cities like Kyiv to India via border countries.8. Operation Dost (Turkey–Syria Earthquake, February 2023)India dispatched rescue teams, relief equipment, and aid to earthquake-hit zones in Turkey and Syria, highlighting its humanitarian response, even though no evacuations occurred.9. Operation Kaveri (Sudan Civil War, April–May 2023)During heavy hostilities in Khartoum, India evacuated around 3,900 citizens via naval ships and C17 flights under Operation Kaveri.10. Operation Ajay (Israel–Hamas War, October 2023)India flew chartered flights to bring thousands of Indians, mainly students and workers, safely out of conflict zones in Israel.11. Operation Indravati (Haiti Gang Violence, March 2024)Amid rising gang violence in Haiti, India audaciously airlifted 12 citizens to the Dominican Republic, ensuring their safety.12. Operation Sindhu (Iran–Israel Conflict, June 2025)In response to Iran–Israel tensions, India evacuated 285+ students from Iran via Armenia and Turkmenistan, and later extended the mission to evacuate citizens of Israel.The rapid and large-scale rescue operations carried out by the Modi government have shown India's global presence over the last 11 years. Whether it is a natural disaster, a war zone, or a health emergency, these 12 missions all relay the same message: India will always be with its people regardless of their location in the world.With strong diplomacy, military cooperation, and speed, these missions have not only saved lives but also projected India as a responsible global power willing to protect and save them no matter the circumstances.Tune InTrending Reel
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