The Indian government has informed Parliament that 5,945 Indian citizens were evacuated from Israel, Iran, Syria, and Iraq over the past three years, as multiple crises and regional conflicts unfolded across the Middle East. The data was shared in a written reply in the Lok Sabha by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who stressed that each operation was launched with the singular priority of safeguarding Indian lives abroad.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, evacuations were carried out in response to escalating hostilities, sudden outbreaks of violence, and emergency humanitarian situations. The operations spanned several countries and were activated whenever conflict zones posed an immediate danger to Indian nationals. Two major rescue missions shaped this period: Operation Ajay in Israel in 2023 and Operation Sindhu in both Iran and Israel in 2025. Each entailed rapid mobilisation, diplomatic coordination, and special transport arrangements to bring stranded citizens home safely.
Jaishankar informed Parliament that Uttar Pradesh accounted for the highest number of evacuees, with 1,474 of its residents being brought home. The Ministry also provided a detailed state-wise and operation-wise breakdown. Under Operation Ajay, 1,343 Indians were evacuated from Israel, including 145 from UP. The Iran leg of Operation Sindhu in 2025 accounted for the largest single evacuation — 3,597 people, of whom 1,198 were from Uttar Pradesh. A further 818 were rescued in the Israel phase of the same operation, including 92 from the state. Evacuations from Iraq between 2022 and 2023 brought back 135 Indians, while 86 citizens were rescued from Syria between 2024 and 2025.
In addition to evacuations of the living, the government also conducted a humanitarian mission to repatriate the mortal remains of 45 Indians who died in a tragic fire in Kuwait in 2024. The External Affairs Minister noted that such operations underline India’s consistent efforts to respond compassionately and swiftly during overseas tragedies.
Jaishankar emphasised that the MEA continuously monitors global circumstances, particularly in the volatile Middle East, and issues travel advisories urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel, follow local guidance, and stay connected with Indian embassies. The government, he said, acts with a whole-of-government approach whenever evacuations are deemed necessary, ensuring shelter, food, logistical support, border movement assistance, and free evacuation flights.
The Minister concluded by stating that there is currently no indication of any imminent threat requiring further evacuation operations in the Middle Eastern region, but the government remains vigilant and ready to act should the situation change.
