The Vande Bharat Mission (VBM), initiated in May 2020, has evolved into one of the most extensive civilian evacuations undertaken by a country. Originally started to repatriate Indians stranded globally due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, the VBM has notably exceeded the 1990 large-scale airlift of 177,000 people at the outset of the Gulf War.
The Vande Bharat Mission: A Lifeline for Stranded Indians
Famed as the largest civilian evacuation exercise, the VBM was created to repatriate Indian citizens marooned overseas due to the coronavirus-triggered travel bans. Currently in its 10th phase, the mission has transported roughly 32 lakh passengers both ways.
National carrier Air India, along with its budget wing Air India Express (AIE), conducted the majority of air transfers under the mission’s purview. Importantly, AIE utilised its fleet for transporting chiefly fruits and vegetables – the most popular items amongst the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) – to countries such as those in West Asia, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.
Not Just Evacuation: Aid for Farmers and NRIs
Besides facilitating the repatriation of stranded Indians, the VBM aimed to maintain the supply chain integrity. It not only assisted distressed rural farmers, but also catered to the needs of NRIs craving home-grown produce.
International Collaboration: Air Travel Bubbles
As many as 93 countries have benefitted from the VBM repatriation scheme. Additionally, the government has forged special ‘air travel bubble’ arrangements with 18 diverse countries.
These ‘transport bubbles’ or ‘air travel arrangements’ are provisional agreements between two nations, devised to kick-start commercial passenger services when conventional international flights are temporarily suspended due to the pandemic. The bilateral agreements, reciprocal in nature, allow carriers from both nations to transport passengers either way sans any restrictions, aiding faster repatriations.
Statistics of Recent VBM Patronage
Due to a recent surge in Covid-19 cases in India and several other countries, the patronage for VBM flights has witnessed a decline.
Past Civilian Rescue Missions
Before the VBM, India’s largest civilian evacuation was the airlift from Kuwait during the 1990-91 Gulf war. About 1,77,000 Indians were rescued via approximately 500 flights operated by Air India over a span of two months.
Other significant rescue missions executed by India include Operation Raahat during the 2015 Yemen Crisis, Operation Maitri after the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, Operation Safe Homecoming during the Libyan Civil War in 2011, and Operation Sukoon amidst the 2006 Lebanon War.
These operations, launched or supported by the Indian Armed Forces, successfully evacuated and aided Indian citizens and foreign nationals stranded in conflict zones or disaster-hit areas. They stand testament to India’s international relations and humanitarian efforts.
