If the United States' and Israel's war against Iran resumes, the Government of India must be ready for the possibility of rescuing 10 million of its citizens from the Gulf. This would be the biggest evacuation from a war zone in modern history.
Scale of the Challenge
The potential evacuation of 10 million Indians from the Gulf region presents an unprecedented logistical challenge. The government must prepare for a complex operation involving air, sea, and land routes to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Historical Context
India has conducted large-scale evacuations before, such as Operation Raahat in Yemen and Operation Vande Bharat during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the scale of a potential West Asian evacuation dwarfs these previous efforts.
K P Nayar highlights the urgency of planning now to avoid chaos in the event of a conflict escalation. The government must coordinate with Gulf nations, establish safe corridors, and mobilize resources.
Strategic Preparations
Key steps include identifying assembly points, arranging transportation, and ensuring communication channels with citizens. Diplomatic efforts will be crucial to secure cooperation from host countries.
The article emphasizes that proactive measures are essential to protect the diaspora and maintain India's strategic interests in the region.
