New Delhi (NVI): In its next phase of ‘Operation Samudra Setu’, the Indian Navy has started the process of evacuating Indians from Iran. Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Shardul’ reached Bandar Abbas port in Iran this morning and is all set to embark Indian citizens to bring them back to Porbandar in Gujarat, The Indian Navy said in a statement.
“The Indian Mission in Islamic Republic of Iran is preparing a list of Indian citizens to be evacuated and will facilitate their embarkation after requisite medical screening,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
Op #SamudraSetu#INSShardul in Bandar Abbas, Iran.
All set to embark Indian Citizens to bring them back to India #Porbandar.#IndiaFightsCorona#MissionVandeBharat@SpokespersonMoD @MEAIndia@DDNewslive @airnewsalerts @PIB_India @MIB_India @India_in_Iranhttps://t.co/VEvZetrmQN pic.twitter.com/3zqaY1sdm8— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 8, 2020
COVID-related social distancing norms have been catered onboard INS Shardul and the ship has been specially provisioned for the evacuation operation, including embarkation of additional medical staff, doctors, hygienists, nutritionists, medical stores, rations, personal protective equipment, face-masks, lifesaving gear etc, the MoD said.
Apart from the authorised medical outfit, medical equipment specific to dealing with COVID-19 including innovative products developed by the Indian Navy during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis is also being carried onboard.
The evacuated personnel would be provided the basic amenities and medical facilities whilst undertaking the sea-passage to Porbandar, the Defence Ministry said.
“Special isolation compartments have also been earmarked for any contingencies. In view of the unique challenges associated with COVID-19 including asymptomatic carriers, stringent protocols are being stipulated during the passage,” it added.
The evacuated people will be entrusted to the care of State authorities after disembarkation at Porbandar, the Ministry said.
Yesterday, Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa arrived at Tuticorin harbor in Tamil Nadu with 700 Indian nationals stranded in Maldives.
Indian Navy had launched Operation Samudra Setu to repatriate Indian citizens commencing May 8. Indian Naval ships Jalashwa and Magar have already evacuated 2874 personnel from Maldives and Sri Lanka to ports of Kochi and Tuticorin.
