The first Air India flight sent to evacuate Indians from strife-torn Libya took off from Tripoli for New Delhi on Saturday. Air India has sent two planes to Tripoli, and both flights are expected to land in New Delhi with the first batch of 700 stranded Indian citizens arriving early Sunday morning, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna confirmed.

Three naval warships also set sail for Malta on Saturday. INS Jalashwa, INS Mysore left from Mumbai while INS Aditya set sail from Karwar. The Naval ships will transport more than 1,000 Indians back and provide security during evacuation operations.

The ships have been specially equipped for the task with full medical facilities such as operation theatres, doctors and paramedics. The ships are also carrying helicopters and a contingent of marine Special Forces personnel.