Sankat Mochan: Indians return from war-torn South Sudan

MOS External Affairs VK Singh arrived with the Indians rescued under the operation Sankat Mochan in an Indian Airforce T17 plane in the capital New Delhi from conflict hit South Sudan on Friday. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

The C-17 plane from South Sudan's capital city Juba with Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh escorting the evacuees, including two Nepali citizens, made a brief halt in Thiruvanathapuram. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

Indians evacuated from South Sudan have arrived at Palam airport in New Delhi, Friday, July 15, 2016. At least 156 Indians were evacuated from the violence-hit South Sudan, with 71 arriving by a special Indian Air Force flight to New Delhi. The evacuation was part of Operation Sankat Mochan launched by the Indian government.( Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj expressed her gratitude to the Indian Air Force and its officers for safe evacuation of Indian nationals from the strife-torn territory. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

The evacuation exercise faced a hurdle when several Indians, after registering with the External Affairs Ministry for leaving South Sudan, refused to return, despite an appeal by Sushma Swaraj on Twitter asking them to move out. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal )

Indians evacuated from South Sudan arrive at Palam airport in New Delhi, Friday, July 15, 2016. South Sudan is witnessing heavy fighting between former rebels and government soldiers in several parts of the city. (Express Photo: Tashi Tobgyal)