Operation Indravati

March 22, 2024

Operation Indravati is an ongoing evacuation mission launched by the Indian government to rescue its nationals from Haiti, a Caribbean nation grappling with widespread gang violence and political instability. The operation, named after the Indravati River in India, aims to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens amidst the escalating crisis in Haiti.

Background of the Crisis in Haiti

Haiti has been plagued by gang violence and political turmoil since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. The power vacuum that followed led to the assumption of power by Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has been supported by several nations. However, attempts to establish a political transition have failed, and various armed groups have launched coordinated attacks on key installations in an effort to force Henry’s resignation.

The violence has severely impacted the country, hindering access to healthcare facilities, forcing school closures, and exacerbating an already dire hunger crisis. The situation further deteriorated in recent weeks when gunmen overwhelmed the main penitentiary in Port-au-Prince and another nearby prison, freeing thousands of inmates in a raid that resulted in several casualties.

India’s Response: Operation Indravati

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, India launched Operation Indravati to evacuate its citizens stranded in Haiti. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar announced that 12 Indians had been successfully evacuated to the Dominican Republic. He emphasized the Indian government’s unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of its nationals abroad and expressed gratitude to the Dominican Republic for their support in the evacuation process.

Monitoring the Situation

India does not have an embassy in Haiti, and the situation is being closely monitored by the Indian mission in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. According to the External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, there are between 75 and 90 Indians in Haiti, and approximately 60 of them have registered with Indian authorities, expressing their desire to return to India if the need arises.

International Response

Earlier in the week, the United States State Department announced the airlifting of more than 15 Americans from Haiti to Santo Domingo. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and working together to ensure the safety of their nationals amidst the ongoing crisis.

Important Facts for Exams

The name “Operation Indravati” is derived from the Indravati River, which flows through the Indian states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
In the past, India has conducted several successful evacuation operations, including Operation Raahat in Yemen (2015) and Operation Sankat Mochan in South Sudan (2016).
The Dominican Republic, where the evacuated Indians are being taken, shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Despite their geographical proximity, the two countries have stark differences in terms of political stability and economic development.

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