New Delhi, March 30 (IANS): The Indian government is making its best efforts to bring back the 4,000 Indians stranded in Yemen, the external affairs ministry said on Monday.

"We have previously made three announcements requesting Indian nationals to leave Yemen as soon as possible," ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said.

"However, approximately 4,000 Indians remain in the conflict zone. We have launched a national endeavour to ensure their safe return," he added.

He said 400 Indians had been evacuated from Aden by sea.

"We are utilising the services of a local ship which will move the Indian nationals. Meanwhile, 400 Indians have been evacuated," he said.

The spokesperson said the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force would also be deployed for the rescue operation.

Navy officials said two stealth frigate ships had left Mumbai for Yemen.

Defence ministry spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said two C 17 Globemaster aircraft of the air force would fly to Djibouti on Tuesday to bring back the stranded Indians.