BharatNotes
Operation Raahat
/ˌɒp.əˈreɪ.ʃən rɑːˈhɑːt/The Indian Armed Forces operation in April 2015 to evacuate over 4,640 Indian citizens and 960 foreign nationals from 41 countries during the civil war in Yemen, involving Indian Navy warships, IAF C-17 aircraft, and Air India flights — demonstrating India's capacity for large-scale overseas non-combatant evacuation.
Context & Background
Named "Raahat" (meaning "relief" in Hindi/Urdu); INS Sumitra was the first to reach Aden on 1 April 2015; highlighted India's growing blue-water naval capability and its willingness to assist foreign nationals.
UPSC Exam Relevance
GS3 (Disaster Management) and GS2 (International Relations). Prelims: year (2015), location (Yemen), evacuees (4,640 Indians + 960 foreigners from 41 countries). Mains: useful in answers on India's HADR evolution, naval capability, and foreign policy — the fact that 41 countries sought India's help demonstrates India's growing stature as a responsible power.
