Evacuations then and now: Amid escalating West Asia tensions, a look back at India's big rescue missions

• India monitors West Asia tensions affecting international flights
• Special evacuation flights repatriate stranded Indian tourists
• Airlines modify routes, focus on safety, and work with authorities

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India is closely monitoring escalating tensions in West Asia, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation assessing the impact on international flights.

Disruptions in the region have left several Indian tourists stranded, prompting swift action. On Tuesday morning, special evacuation flights by IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet repatriated passengers from Dubai. Indian carriers have adjusted schedules, gradually resuming long-haul and ultra-long-haul services via alternative routes, while aircraft and crew repositioning continues to restore operational stability.

Authorities have set up special arrangements to facilitate passenger movement. Airlines are deploying additional capacity where required and coordinating with foreign aviation authorities and Indian missions abroad.

IndiGo announced 10 special relief flights from Jeddah to India on March 3, 2026, in coordination with the Consulate General of India, while foreign carriers offer limited services depending on airspace conditions.

The ministry emphasized passenger safety, advising airlines to maintain transparent communication and regulatory compliance regarding refunds and rescheduling. Travellers have been urged to check flight status with official sources.

A high-level review chaired by Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, with Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and senior officials, reaffirmed coordination with airlines, airport operators, regulatory bodies, and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure safe operations and support for affected passengers.

Past evacuations and repatriation missions

India has a long history of evacuating citizens from conflict-hit regions. The Vande Bharat Mission (2020-2022), launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, remains one of the world's largest repatriation efforts, facilitating the movement of 3.2 crore people via commercial and chartered flights, including air bubble arrangements.

In early 2020, India evacuated 637 citizens and 7 Maldivians from Wuhan, China, demonstrating swift crisis management.

• Operation Devi Shakti (2021) evacuated 669 individuals from Afghanistan, including Indians, Afghans from Hindu and Sikh communities, and 15 foreign nationals. Five holy saroops of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib were also safely returned.
• Operation Ganga (2022) rescued 18,282 citizens from Ukraine, primarily students, via 90 flights, fully funded by the Indian government.
• Operation Kaveri (2023) in Sudan brought back 4,097 people, including 136 foreign nationals, using IAF sorties, commercial flights, Indian Navy ships, and land routes from neighboring countries.
• Operation Ajay (2023) during hostilities in Israel repatriated 1,343 individuals, including Indian citizens, OCI holders, and Nepalese nationals.
• Operation Indravati (2024) evacuated 17 Indian nationals from Haiti to the Dominican Republic via helicopters amid civil unrest.

Indian Community Welfare Fund and global mobility

The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), established in 2009, has assisted over 3.4 lakh Indians since 2014, supporting those stranded, injured, or facing emergencies abroad. Its 2017 guideline revision improved flexibility and rapid response, making it a pillar of India's citizen-focused foreign policy.

Between 2014 and 2025, India signed mobility and migration partnership agreements with 18 countries, including Saudi Arabia, France, UAE, Japan, the UK, Australia, and Germany. These arrangements provide structured, safe pathways for employment and skilled migration, expanding opportunities for Indian nationals overseas.