As the Indian Navy and Air India picked up about 1,000 more Indians from Yemen on Monday, the massive scale of operations has led 23 countries to seek India’s help in evacuation of their nationals from the strife-torn country. The Indian evacuation efforts have reached the last stage. “Twenty three countries have requested India to evacuate their citizens from Yemen,” tweeted External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. These are Bangladesh, Cuba, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, Iraq, Indonesia, Ireland, lebanon, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Romania, Slovenia, Sri lanka, Singapore, Sweden, Turkey, USA and Yemen itself.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said almost all Indians would be evacuated from the violence-hit country by end of the day. So far, India has evacuated nearly 3,000 Indians and few foreigners. It is estimated that there were about 4,000 Indian nationals living in various cities of Yemen. “Though it was a very volatile situation, not a single bullet was fired by the Indian Navy. But adequate preparations were made,” Parrikar said while lauding Navy’s efforts in safe passage of Indians from Yemen. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the “seamless” operation by various Government departments to evacuate Indians and also several non-Indians.
In a series of tweets, Modi lauded efforts by his Cabinet colleagues Sushma Swaraj and MoS VK Singh, and the well coordinated efforts by Government organistaions. “Salute the services of our civilian & Defence officials & organisations in helping evacuate our citizens from Yemen. Continue your efforts!” Modi tweeted. “Seamless co-operation between organisations — MEA, Navy, Air Force, Air India, Shipping, Railways & State Govts greatly helped in rescue work.,” Modi said in another followed by: “Colleagues @SushmaSwaraj & @Gen V K Singh (who has been on the ground for days), have co-ordinated evacuation efforts in an exemplary manner.”
“I am also glad that India has rescued several non-Indian citizens from Yemen. Our evacuation efforts in Yemen reflect willingness to serve our people & readiness to help others in distress, which is India’s ethos,” he said. Meanwhile, exceeding previous efforts, Air India lifted 574 from Sana’a for Djibouti. On Sunday, Air India had brought out 488 Indians in three flights from Sanaa to Djibouti. “Surge in evacuation efforts.1000 plus evacuated today from Yemen 574 by 3 flights ex Sana’a by @airindiain 479 by INS Mumbai ex Al Hudaydah,” tweeted Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin.