New Delhi (NVI): India today said that it is in touch with China for the safe rescue of 39 Indian nationals on board two stranded ships in Chinese waters to ensure that the humanitarian needs of the crew are taken care of.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the bulk cargo vessel MV Jag Anand is on anchorage near Jingtang port in Hebei province of China since June 13, 2020 with 23 Indian nationals as crew on board.
“Another vessel, MV Anastasia, which has 16 Indian nationals as its crew, is on anchorage near Caofeidian port in China since September 20, 2020, waiting for discharge of its cargo,” MEA spokesman Anurag Srivastava said while addressing a press briefing here.
“Our Embassy is in touch with the Chinese authorities,” he said, adding that the Chinese authorities have conveyed that on account of various COVID-19 related restrictions imposed by the local authorities, crew change is not being permitted from these ports.
“The owners of these shipping companies, as well as the receivers of the cargo, have been made aware of the reasons for delay in unloading of the cargo,” he said.
“The Government continues to be in regular touch with the Chinese authorities to seek a resolution of these issues at the earliest and also to ensure that the humanitarian needs of the crew are taken care of,” Srivastava said.
Pertinent to mention here that both the countries are locked in a bitter dispute over border sharing issue in Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for around past eight months.
When asked about the present situation on the stalemate, the MEA spokesperson said that the two sides continue to maintain communication through diplomatic and military channels. These discussions have helped both sides to enhance understanding of each other’s positions, he added.
“It is our expectation that the further discussions will help both sides to achieve an agreement on a mutually acceptable solution for ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the Western sector and full restoration of peace and tranquility as early as possible,” Srivastava said.
-ARK
