Samudra Setu: Indian Navy commences evacuation of citizens stranded in Iran

Guwahati: Starting today, the Indian Naval Ship Shardul will evacuate Indian citizens on June 8 from the port of Bandar Abbas, Islamic Republic of Iran, to Porbandar in Gujarat. The Indian Mission in the Islamic Republic of Iran is preparing a list of Indian citizens to be evacuated and will facilitate their embarkation after the requisite medical screening. This is part of the next phase of the Navy's Samudra Setu mission.

Covid-19 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. In addition to 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. 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. After disembarkation at Porbandar, the evacuated personnel will be entrusted to the care of State authorities.

Indian Navy had launched Operation Samudra Setu to repatriate Indian citizens commencing May 8 of this year. Indian Naval ships Jalashwa and Magar have already evacuated 2,874 citizens who were stranded in the the Maldives and Sri Lanka to ports of Kochi and Tuticorin.

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