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LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO- *181
ANSWERED ON- 12/12/2025
EVACUATION FROM MIDDLE EAST
*181. SHRI RAJEEV RAI
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-
(a) the number of Indians evacuated from Middle East during the last three years;
(b) whether a large number of persons belonging to Uttar Pradesh have been waiting for their evacuation since 2014, if so, the details thereof;
(c) the steps being taken by the Government to evacuate them from the region; and
(d) the time by which all these people are likely to be evacuated safely from there?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(DR. SUBRAHMANYAM JAISHANKAR)
(a to d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) IN RESPECT OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.*181 FOR REPLY ON 12.12.2025 REGARDING EVACUATION FROM MIDDLE EAST
(a) to (d): Keeping in view the safety and security of Indian nationals, Government of India evacuated 5945 Indian nationals from Israel, Iran, Syria and Iraq in the Middle-East during the last three years, including under Operation Ajay in Israel in 2023 and Operation Sindhu in Iran and Israel in 2025. A total of 1474 evacuated Indian nationals belonged to Uttar Pradesh. Government also undertook a special humanitarian airlift of mortal remains of 45 deceased Indian nationals, who lost their lives in a tragic fire incident in Kuwait in 2024, which included 3 citizens of Uttar Pradesh. Operation/ evacuation details are attached at Annexure-I.
The Government closely monitors any developing adverse situations worldwide including the Middle Eastern region. Based on 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 and other communication mechanisms. Wherever necessary, the Government launches evacuation operations with a whole-of-government approach to safely evacuate stranded Indian nationals. Government provides logistical support including safe shelter, meals, local and cross-border movement and transportation by arranging special vehicles and evacuation flights on gratis basis. Government’s evacuation operations prioritize the safety, security, and well-being of all Indian nationals irrespective of their states. Presently, there is no information on any imminent threat to the safety and security of Indian nationals or any situation requiring evacuation of Indian nationals from the Middle Eastern region.
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