Operation Ajay: 274 stranded Indians return home as fourth flight arrives in New Delhi 

Union Minister of State General (Retd) VK Singh received the Indian passengers.

MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi posted on X: "4th flight with 274 passengers onboard touches down in New Delhi." 

"Citizens welcomed by MoS@MORTHIndia@Gen_VKSinghat the airport," he said.

Speaking to Indian news agency ANI, Singh said: "This is the 4th flight, we are expecting more for a couple of reasons. One is the fear that something might hit them. After having been taken by surprise, Israel also gathered its things in a more orderly manner. However, the universities being closed, a general atmosphere of fear and preparation that is going on in Israel, our people fear that they should not unnecessarily become burden out there and come back home. And go back when things pan out in a better manner."

"There is another flight coming in tomorrow. We will keep running the flights till all the people who have registered are taken out. This operation is going very well. It is seamless, well organised... My message would be to stay where you are and follow the instructions. There is no need to panic," he added.

A passenger appreciated the Indian government's move to launch the operation to evacuate stranded Indians from Israel.

An Indian student coming from Israel told ANI, "In the beginning it was horrific. Everything was uncontrollable. But now the situation is under control. The government and military are taking very strict action...Thank you, it was the best initiative (Operation Ajay) taken by the government of India."

Priya Gupta, an Indian national, told ANI, "I was in Tel Aviv University for the past two years... There was support from the Indian embassy as well... I feel thankful to the Indian government for making this arrangement. It was really quick."

The evacuation is taking place after the Indian government announced Operation Ajay, a measure to bring back Indians from war-torn Israel.