This operation involving several countries for evacuation of our citizens from war-torn Ukraine was so large that it required intervention of the government at the highest level and the support of local authorities and additional support staff. In the scenario that was unfolding in Ukraine, a normal evacuation process would not have sufficed.
Since the number of students stranded in Ukraine was so large, the evacuation also had to start immediately. A decision had to be taken quickly to fast-track it. So, when the prime minister decided to send senior ministers as government envoys to the neighbouring countries of Ukraine and lead the evacuation operation, the level of commitment at once went up for everyone involved. When an operation is being planned and led at the level of ministers, who are acting as special envoys of the government of India, then the respective countries and the local governments also have to respond at the highest level.
The ground work was done by the ministry of external affairs, which was in touch with the local authorities and did all the preparation. Our task was to not waste any time in getting the citizens safely back home. Special aircraft were arranged to bring back as many Indians as possible at one time. I went on one of those flights to Kosice in Slovakia. My aim was not to lose any precious time and we were able to fly out Indian citizens who had reached the country by road from Ukraine in the same flight, the same day. Subsequently, seven aircraft were used to airlift more students every day.
I cannot forget the faces of the students who were so happy and grateful to see us. All the students were given proper care and housed comfortably near Kosice before they left for India. Some people who were coming to this border had to be shifted to the other borders and since the airport is bigger in Budapest, we coordinated their evacuation from there. No country has gone to this extent in helping its citizens and planning the level of operations to this minute detail.
In fact, the Chinese embassy in Bratislava wanted to know from Indian authorities how we managed to carry out such a large-scale evacuation exercise. The Chinese team met the Indian officials at the airport and witnessed what was going on. They were so impressed with the way we planned it so quickly and smoothly. There is nothing wrong in cooperating with other countries in a difficult situation.
I would personally say that the prime minister's intervention made all the difference since all the countries extended cooperation at the highest level and we were able to sort out all the problems at every other juncture because of that.
There were moments of worry and concern since the circumstances were very challenging as firing and bombardment was underway while people were still stuck in the conflict zone. But, we assured everyone that we would not leave till each and every Indian was safe. I applaud the courage shown by the students in such trying circumstances and I am happy to say we have airlifted all 1,115 Indian citizens from the Slovakia border, and one Nepalese citizen.
I must also say the unity shown by the Indian community was tremendous as many Indians residing in Slovakia helped us. Today, it is because of all these reasons that other countries are not only looking at us, but also looking forward to emulating India's example. The students are extremely grateful to the prime minister and government for these special efforts. Operation Ganga has lifted India’s capacity for massive evacuation to a different level.
As told to Namrata Biji Ahuja.
Rijiju is Union law minister.