NewsGate Press Network

Even as first evacuation flight is underway to bring back stranded Indians in war torn Israel, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that Indian Air Force has kept its air crafts on standby in case there is a requirement.

On Wednesday the Indian Government has launched Operation Ajay to airlift all 18,000 odd citizens currently stuck-up in Israel.

The inventory of IAF aircrafts that have been put on stand-by to take part in Operation Ajay includes among others C-17 and IL-76 heavy-lift transport planes along with the C-130J Super Hercules.

While addressing reporters during his weekly press conference on Thursday, 12 October 2023, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said  – “a charter flight will reach Tel Aviv today later in the evening. It is expected to get 230 passengers onboard. We have all options, but the role of IAF (in evacuation) can’t be ruled out.”
Earlier today, the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired a meeting to review preparations for “Operation Ajay”.