Lok Sabha Question No. 2300 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: Evacuation of Indians from War Zones Abroad
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Benny Behanan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2300

ANSWERED ON - 01/08/2025

## EVACUATION OF INDIANS FROM WAR ZONES ABROAD

2300. SHRI BENNY BEHANAN

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)   the   total   number   of   Indian   citizens   evacuated   from   foreign countries affected by war or armed conflict during the last two years;
- (b)   the   details   of   evacuations   conducted   during   each   conflict, country-wise;
- (c)   the   total   expenditure   incurred   by   the   Government   for   these evacuation missions, including transportation, lodging, and other logistical support;
- (d) whether the evacuees were charged any amount or provided assistance free of cost;
- (e)   whether   the   Government   plans   to   continue   such   evacuation operations in ongoing and future foreign conflict zones, if so, the details thereof;

(f)   the   arrangements   in   place   for   ensuring   the   safety   of   Indian nationals working or residing in war-prone countries; and (g)   whether   the   Government   has   entered   into   agreements   with foreign   governments,   airlines,   or   international   agencies   for

- emergency evacuation support, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a to d) During the last two years, the Government of India has safely   evacuated   9779   stranded   Indian   nationals   from   conflict zones.   During   these   evacuations,   the   Government   provided logistical   support,   including   safe   shelter,   food   and   international transportation   by   arranging   special   evacuation   flights   for   the stranded Indian nationals on gratis basis. The country-wise details of   evacuation   operations,   along   with   expenditure   incurred   are placed below.

|   Year | Country & Name of the Operation   | Number of evacuated Indian nationals   | Expenditure incurred on evacuations (in ₹)   |
|--------|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
|   2023 | Sudan                             | 4,097                                  | 45.63 crore                                  |

|      | Operation Kaveri          | (including 136 foreign nationals)                              |                         |
|------|---------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|
| 2023 | Israel Operation Ajay     | 1,343 (including 14 OCI card holders and 20 foreign nationals) | 16.87 crore             |
| 2024 | Haiti Operation Indravati | 17                                                             | 48.34 lakh              |
| 2024 | Syria                     | 77                                                             | 39.95 lakh              |
| 2025 | Iran Operation Sindhu     | 3597 (plus 14 OCI Card holders and 14 foreign nationals)       | 27.68 crore as on date. |
| 2025 | Israel Operation Sindhu   | 818                                                            | 27.68 crore as on date. |

(e   to   g) Government   accords   the   highest   priority   to   the   safety, security and well-being of Indian nationals abroad. The Government closely monitors developing hostile situations in war zones. As per

prevailing circumstances, Government issues advisories to caution Indian   nationals   to   avoid   unnecessary   travel,   follow   safety guidelines issued by the local authorities and remain in touch with the Indian Missions on published helpline numbers. Various other communication mechanisms are in place for the Indian nationals to approach   the   Indian   Missions/posts   by   email,   multilingual   24x7 emergency numbers, social media, toll free helplines, whatsapp numbers etc. Upon  any emergent situation,  Government launches evacuation   operations,   involving   various   stakeholders,   to   safely evacuate   stranded   Indian   nationals   from   conflict   zones.   During evacuation   process,   24x7   Control   Rooms   are   operated   at headquarters and abroad to provide information and assistance to the   stranded   Indian   nationals   and   facilitate   their   evacuation. Government remains in constant touch with its counterparts in foreign governments to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals residing in war zones. It engages with various domestic and international airlines, shipping companies and travel agencies in coordination with Indian missions to facilitate safe evacuation of Indian nationals. The government is committed to ensure safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad and initiate these efforts, upon eventualities.

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