New Delhi, April 6 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised civilian and defence officials and organisations who have helped in evacuating Indian citizens from strife-riven Yemen.

"I salute the services of our civilian and defence officials and organisations in helping evacuate our citizens from Yemen. Continue your efforts," an official release here cited Modi as having said.

The prime minister said: "Seamless co-operation between organisations - ministry of external affairs, Navy, Air Force, Air India, shipping, railways and state governments greatly helped in rescue work."

He also praised External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her junior colleague V.K. Singh for their efforts.

They "have co-ordinated evacuation efforts in an exemplary manner. I am also glad that India has rescued several non-Indian citizens from Yemen. Our evacuation efforts in Yemen reflect willingness to serve our people and readiness to help others in distress, which is India's ethos," he said.

India is evacuating its citizens from Yemen on a war-footing, with 806 of its nationals returning home on Sunday.