New Delhi (NVI): A day after 58 Indian pilgrims were evacuated from Iran, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefed Rajya Sabha on the further evacuation process going on in the coronavirus-hit country including sample collection and proper screening.
The Foreign Minister said that the Central Government is committed to the safety and return of Indians stranded in Iran after their proper screening.
The FM also said that three flights were sent to Wuhan in China to evacuate Indians, while highlighting that focus has now shifted to Iran, in view of the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in that country.
“The House is already aware of the efforts Government had made to bring back Indians from Wuhan in China by mounting three flights to that city. Thereafter, we brought back the crew and passengers of a cruise ship off Japan that was affected by Coronavirus. These evacuations also included some foreign nationals. Our focus since has shifted to Iran, in view of the sharp increase of Coronavirus in that country,” he said.
Amid coronavirus cases being reported from India almost daily since the past one week, Jaishankar informed the Parliament that around 6000 Indians, including 1000 fishermen from Kerela, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are currently in Iran. However, the fishermen are in areas that are less affected by the virus, he said.
“As per available information, there are over 6000 Indian nationals in various provinces of Iran. These include about 1100 pilgrims mainly from the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir and the State of Maharashtra; nearly 300 students primarily from the UT of Jammu and Kashmir; about 1000 fishermen, including from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat; and others who are on longer term stay in Iran for pursuing their livelihood and religious studies,” he told Rajya Sabha.
Jaishankar also expressed concern over the situation in Italy where 631 people have lost their lives due to coronavirus and more than 10,000 are affected.
“The situation in Italy is now emerging as a cause of great concern. I would like to share with the Hon’ble Members that steps in this regard have already been initiated. The challenge is growing by the day in Europe and we will respond accordingly,” he said while informing the house.
The EAM also added that the Indian Embassy is in contact with students studying there and is working in close coordination with Iranian authorities for their safe evacuation.
