11 Years, 11 Daring Rescues: How PM Modi's Leadership Reinvented India’s Global Humanitarian Might

India Defense

Over the past 11 years, India has transformed from a reactive state to a proactive global humanitarian force, conducting 11 major international rescue missions under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These operations, spanning from war-torn zones to disaster-struck nations, highlight not only India’s strategic strength and diplomatic finesse but also its unwavering commitment to protect every Indian, anywhere in the world.

Let’s explore the timeline of courage, diplomacy, and precision that defines this era of Indian foreign policy.

1. Operation Raahat – Yemen (2015): 4,700+ Evacuated

In a stunningly swift action, India rescued more than 4,700 Indians and nearly 1,950 foreign nationals from 26 countries when war broke out in Yemen. The Indian Navy and Air Force, with coordination from the Ministry of External Affairs, turned Aden’s chaos into a textbook example of an international evacuation. The operation was so successful that the UN and the U.S. sought India’s help for their citizens.

2. Operation Maitri – Nepal Earthquake (2015): 5,000+ Evacuated

When a devastating earthquake hit Nepal, India became the first foreign responder, launching "Operation Maitri" within six hours. Over 5,000 Indian nationals were airlifted while thousands of Nepali citizens received medical aid, food, and shelter. Modi’s swift command made India Nepal’s lifeline, winning global appreciation.

3. Operation Sankat Mochan – South Sudan (2016): 156 Indians Rescued

As civil war broke out in Juba, India airlifted 156 Indians safely under this operation led by then MoS Gen. VK Singh. It was a bold move into active conflict, showcasing India’s military precision and diplomatic agility, especially in evacuating from deep African zones.

4. Operation Samudra Setu – Gulf Nations (2020): 4,000+ Indians Returned

As COVID-19 paralyzed the globe, the Indian Navy sailed to bring home thousands of Indians stranded in the Gulf. It was the first large-scale naval repatriation mission in decades, reminding the world that India never abandons its citizens—even across seas.

5. Vande Bharat Mission – Global (2020-21): 60+ Lakh Indians Repatriated

This was the world’s largest civilian evacuation mission, spanning over 100 nations during the pandemic. Over 6 million Indians were brought back home via thousands of flights and coordination across embassies. PM Modi’s vision to leverage civil aviation, naval assets, and international cooperation was monumental.

6. Operation Devi Shakti – Afghanistan (2021): 800+ Evacuated

After the Taliban seized Kabul, India pulled off one of its most covert and difficult evacuations from a warzone. Around 800 people—including Indians, Afghans, Hindus, and Sikhs—were rescued under Taliban surveillance. This operation showed India's stealth capacity, influence, and moral strength.

7. Operation Ganga – Ukraine (2022): 22,500+ Students Evacuated

As war erupted in Ukraine, Indian students were trapped under shelling. India sent flights, buses, and officials to borders in Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia. Modi’s personal diplomacy led to Russian and Ukrainian ceasefires for Indian student evacuations. The world witnessed India’s clout in the battlefield of geopolitics.

8. Operation Kaveri – Sudan (2023): 3,800+ Rescued

As clashes escalated in Sudan, India launched a multi-modal evacuation via Port Sudan and Jeddah. IAF planes and naval ships like INS Sumedha were deployed with efficiency. Foreign Minister Jaishankar credited PM Modi’s directive in ensuring zero loss of Indian lives in an active warzone.

9. Operation Dost – Turkey Earthquake (2023): Humanitarian Heroism

In response to a deadly earthquake, India sent dozens of rescue teams, medical professionals, field hospitals, and relief cargo to Turkey and Syria. India was among the first nations to land aid, and local citizens called Indian responders "Angels in Uniform". Operation Dost symbolized solidarity beyond borders.

10. Operation Ajay – Israel (2023): 3,500+ Evacuated

As the Israel-Hamas war unfolded, India rapidly evacuated its nationals, especially students, tech workers, and caregivers. Through coordination with Israel’s government, Modi’s assurance led to zero panic and high diplomatic coordination, once again showing India’s prowess in high-risk zones.

11. Operation Brahma – Myanmar (2024): 2,000+ Saved from Conflict

When civil unrest in Myanmar threatened Indians near border zones and deep territories, the Indian military executed a quick cross-border rescue. Over 2,000 people were brought home with local intelligence, satellite mapping, and army coordination—a highly classified mission that underscored India’s covert capabilities.

PM Modi’s Rescue Doctrine: Precision, Presence, and Patriotism

These 11 operations aren’t just headlines—they represent a new Indian doctrine: one that fuses humanitarian values with muscle diplomacy. Modi’s leadership has redefined how India handles overseas crises:

• Direct PMO Involvement in strategic decisions

• Diplomatic outreach with conflicting nations

• Joint operation strategy using IAF, Navy, MEA, and NDRF

• Use of technology, including GIS mapping, emergency apps, and embassies' digital networks

• Inclusivity by helping foreign nationals too—boosting India’s soft power

🌍 Global Recognition

From UN praise to bilateral appreciation, countries like the U.S., UK, Israel, Ukraine, Yemen, and Turkey have openly commended India. Several international citizens have said, “When our governments abandoned us, India saved us.”

 

A Decade of Heroism

In a volatile world, few leaders have shown the decisiveness, empathy, and strategic strength that PM Modi has demonstrated during global crises. With every mission, India is no longer a bystander—it is a first responder, a regional anchor, and a moral force on the global stage.

As the 12th year begins, the message is clear:
Wherever danger calls, India will answer.