Over the past 11 years, the Narendra Modi-led Indian government has demonstrated a consistent and strategic commitment to safeguarding Indian citizens abroad during times of crisis.
From civil wars to international conflicts, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), under Modi’s leadership, has executed 12 major evacuation operations across multiple continents, showcasing India’s growing diplomatic and logistical capabilities.
1. Operation Sindhu (2025) – Israel-Iran War
The most recent and ongoing evacuation, Operation Sindhu, was launched in June 2025 amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. The conflict, triggered by Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, endangered hundreds of Indian nationals, particularly students and workers in Iran.
- 517 Indians have been evacuated so far, with the first batch of 110 students moved from northern Iran to Armenia before being flown to Delhi.
- Special evacuation flights were arranged from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, with full cooperation from Iranian authorities.
- The Indian Embassy in Tehran and MEA coordinated closely, ensuring safe passage via air and land routes.
2. Operation Ganga (2022) – Russia-Ukraine War
When war broke out between Russia and Ukraine, thousands of Indian students were stranded, especially in cities like Kharkiv and Kyiv.
- Over 22,500 Indians were evacuated through neighboring countries like Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia.
- The Indian Air Force and commercial airlines were deployed in a massive airlift operation.
3. Operation Devi Shakti (2021) – Afghanistan Crisis
Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, India launched Operation Devi Shakti to rescue its citizens and Afghan partners.
- Over 800 individuals, including Indian nationals and Afghan Sikhs and Hindus, were evacuated from Kabul.
4. Vande Bharat Mission (2020) – COVID-19 Pandemic
One of the largest repatriation efforts globally, this mission brought back Indians stranded due to global lockdowns.
- Over 7 million Indians were repatriated from more than 100 countries.
5. Operation Samudra Setu (2020)
A naval component of the Vande Bharat Mission, this operation used Indian Navy ships to bring back citizens from the Middle East and Maldives.
- Over 4,000 Indians were rescued by sea.
6. Operation Sankat Mochan (2016) – South Sudan
Amid civil war in South Sudan, India evacuated over 150 nationals, including women and children, from Juba.
7. Operation Raahat (2015) – Yemen Conflict
One of the most celebrated missions, Operation Raahat evacuated over 5,600 people, including 960 foreign nationals from 41 countries, during the Saudi-led coalition’s airstrikes in Yemen.
- PM Modi’s direct call to the Saudi King played a pivotal role in securing safe passage.
8. Nepal Earthquake Evacuation (2015)
Following the devastating earthquake in Nepal, India launched a swift humanitarian and evacuation response.
- Over 5,000 Indians were brought back safely.
9. Libya and Iraq Evacuations (2014–2019)
As civil unrest and ISIS threats escalated in Libya and Iraq, India evacuated thousands of workers and nurses.
- In Iraq, 46 Indian nurses were rescued from Tikrit in a high-risk operation.
10. Syria (2024)
In December 2024, following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, India evacuated 75 nationals from Syria.
Conclusion
The Modi government’s evacuation missions reflect a proactive foreign policy and a robust crisis management framework. These operations have not only saved lives but also reinforced India’s image as a responsible global power. With each mission, India has demonstrated its ability to act swiftly, negotiate diplomatically, and execute complex logistics under pressure.
