Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, which took office on May 26, 2014, successfully marked its 11th year in power on May 26, 2025. Throughout this transformative decade, the government has prioritised cultivating strong, friendly strategic relations with nations across the globe.
A testament to this unwavering commitment to global solidarity, India launched “Operation Brahma” on March 28, 2025, providing swift humanitarian aid to earthquake-stricken Myanmar. An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft delivered a crucial 15-tonne consignment of relief materials, including tents, blankets, food supplies, water purifiers, and essential medicines, in Yangon. This timely intervention is just one highlight among 11 major rescue operations conducted by the Indian government between 2015 and 2025. These remarkable efforts not only ensured the safe evacuation of Indian citizens from crises but also extended vital humanitarian assistance to numerous other countries, solidifying India’s role as a compassionate global responder.
Operation Raahat: India’s Swift Evacuation of 5,600 from War-Torn Yemen
From April 1 to April 11, 2015, India launched ‘Operation Raahat’ to safely evacuate 5,600 individuals from conflict-ridden Yemen. The rescue mission included 4,460 Indian nationals and 960 citizens from 41 other countries.
The crisis began in March 2015 when Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, forcing President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi to resign and flee the country. In response to Iran’s growing influence, a Saudi Arabia-led military coalition initiated “Operation Decisive Storm” on March 26, 2015, with widespread airstrikes and bombings. This political instability and escalating rebellion quickly plunged Yemen into a full-scale civil war.
Amidst this dangerous backdrop, the Indian armed forces (Indian Air Force and Indian Navy) commenced Operation Raahat. Over its 11-day duration, a total of 5,600 people were safely evacuated, including 4,640 Indian nationals and 960 citizens from 41 other countries (such as the US, UK, and Iraq. Air India and Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft played a crucial role in airlifting evacuees. Simultaneously, Indian Navy warships, including INS Sumitra, INS Mumbai, and INS Tarkash, played a crucial role in rescuing citizens by sea from the war zone.
Operation Maitri: India’s lifeline to earthquake-stricken Nepal
On April 25, 2015, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, causing widespread destruction in the capital, Kathmandu, and surrounding areas. In response to this immense tragedy, India swiftly launched ‘Operation Maitri’ to provide aid to its crisis-hit neighbour.
This extensive joint military-air force operation, which lasted approximately 40 days, successfully repatriated over 5,000 Indians from Nepal using both Air Force and civilian aircraft. Additionally, India successfully evacuated 170 foreign nationals from countries including the United States, Britain, Russia, and Japan. Demonstrating its commitment to humanitarian assistance, India also dispatched a significant 1348.995 tons of relief material to Nepal.
Indian Air Force aircraft, including C-17s, C-130s, and IL-76s, delivered crucial supplies such as medical kits, food packets, water, tents, and engineering equipment to Nepal. Retired personnel from the Gorkha Regiment were also deployed to assist with relief and rescue efforts on the ground.
Operation Sankat Mochan: India rescues 156 from South Sudan civil strife
In July 2016, a fierce armed conflict erupted in Juba, South Sudan’s capital, between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. This clash was an intensification of a civil war that had begun in 2013, escalating dramatically in July 2016. The fighting between the two factions resulted in over 300 deaths and displaced thousands of civilians.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the Indian government launched “Operation Sankat Mochan” on July 13, 2016. Two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft were deployed, successfully bringing 156 Indian nationals back to safety.
During the operation, India transported all its citizens to Entebbe, Uganda. Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda assured the Indian government of all necessary assistance. The entire operation was overseen by then-Minister of State for External Affairs, General (retd) V. K. Singh.
Operation Samudra Setu: Bringing 3,992 Indians home from three nations amidst pandemic
During the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian Navy undertook ‘Operation Samudra Setu’ to repatriate 3,992 Indian nationals from three different countries: the Maldives, Iran, and Sri Lanka.
This extensive operation, lasting 55 days, involved several Indian Naval Ships. INS Jalashwa (an amphibious transport dock) and INS Airavat, INS Shardul, and INS Magar (all landing ship tanks) played crucial roles in bringing stranded citizens back to India.
Vande Bharat Mission: India’s monumental repatriation effort brings home over 6.75 million citizens
Operation Vande Bharat stands as one of the largest and most complex repatriation efforts ever undertaken by any nation. Launched by the Indian government during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, its primary goal was to bring home Indian citizens stranded across the globe. This ambitious mission successfully facilitated the return of over 67.5 lakh people.
The monumental effort involved various modes of transport. Air India and Air India Express flights brought back 18,79,968 Indians. Additionally, 36,92,216 individuals returned via chartered flights. The Indian Navy played a significant supporting role, evacuating 3,987 Indians on its warships. Furthermore, 5,02,151 citizens were repatriated through various land border crossings, underscoring the comprehensive nature of this unparalleled rescue operation.
Operation Devi Shakti: India’s evacuation from Afghanistan amidst Taliban Takeover
On May 1, 2021, the Taliban, along with their allied terrorist groups, launched a major offensive across Afghanistan. Subsequently, Taliban fighters swiftly gained control of various provinces. Ultimately, the capital city of Kabul fell into the hands of the Taliban, leading to the complete collapse of the Afghan government.
Amidst the Taliban’s rapid takeover of Afghanistan, the Indian Air Force launched “Operation Devi Shakti” on August 16, 2021, to evacuate Indian citizens. During this critical mission, over 800 people were safely evacuated from the country.
The Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft and Air India’s Boeing flights played a crucial role, making significant contributions to this complex evacuation effort.
Operation Ganga: India’s air evacuation of 22,000+ citizens amidst the Russia-Ukraine conflict
Amidst the escalating military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, India launched ‘Operation Ganga’ from February 26 to March 11, 2022. After negotiations with both nations, India successfully and safely evacuated over 22,000 of its citizens from the war-torn country.
The Indian government bore the entire cost of this extensive rescue operation. Due to the conflict, Ukraine’s airspace was closed, prompting the Indian government to arrange flights from neighbouring countries, including Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia, to bring back Indian students. The majority of the Indians stranded in Ukraine were students pursuing their studies.
Operation Kaveri: India evacuates 3,862 citizens from Sudan amidst civil war
Operation Kaveri was a large-scale evacuation mission launched by the Indian armed forces to safely extract Indian citizens and some foreign nationals from Sudan during its ongoing civil war.
Under Operation Kaveri, a total of 4,097 people, including 3,862 Indian nationals and 136 foreign citizens, were successfully brought back to India from Sudan.
For this complex rescue operation, the Indian Air Force deployed two of its premier transport aircraft: the C-130J Super Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster III. The Indian Navy also provided critical support with its warships, including INS Sumedha, INS Teg, and INS Tarkash, which played a vital role in the evacuation efforts.
Operation Dost: India extends aid to earthquake-stricken Turkey and Syria
Operation Dost was a major search and rescue mission launched by the Indian government on February 6, 2023, in response to the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. This initiative exemplified India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance.
On February 6, 2023, a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, resulting in over 50,000 casualties. India promptly initiated ‘Operation Dost’ to provide immediate relief. As part of this operation, India dispatched various teams, including search and rescue personnel, and sent over 140 tons of relief material, which also included medical supplies. A field hospital set up by the Indian Army in Turkey’s Hatay Province treated more than 3,000 patients, providing crucial medical support in the aftermath of the disaster.
Operation Ajay: India evacuates 1,200 citizens from Israel amidst conflict
Following the brutal attacks by Hamas on Israeli citizens, Israel launched retaliatory strikes against Hamas, igniting a full-scale conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Amidst this rapidly escalating war, India initiated ‘Operation Ajay’ to evacuate its citizens. The operation commenced on October 11, 2023, and successfully brought back approximately 1,200 Indian nationals, including 18 Nepalis, on five special flights from Israel.
At the time, around 18,000 Indian citizens resided in Israel, many of whom were students, IT professionals, and caregivers. India’s swift action ensured the safe return of its citizens during this critical period of conflict.
Operation Brahma: India’s aid to earthquake-stricken Myanmar
Following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, India swiftly launched ‘Operation Brahma’ to assist. This operation involved sending humanitarian aid, including a field hospital, an NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) rescue team, and medical personnel to Myanmar.
As part of this crucial effort, India delivered 15 tonnes of relief material to the affected region. A C-130J transport aircraft delivered essential supplies to Yangon, including tents, blankets, food, water purifiers, and medical supplies.
Under the unwavering and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has not only completed 11 impactful years in office since May 26, 2014. Still, it has also fundamentally reshaped India’s global standing. Throughout this remarkable period, PM Modi’s strategic foresight has been evident in the relentless pursuit and establishment of robust, friendly strategic ties with nations across the world. This proactive and confident diplomacy has elevated India’s influence on the international stage, cementing its role as a responsible global power and a trusted partner committed to fostering co-operation and mutual respect.
