Indian Navy Starts Operation “Samudra Setu”, will Bring Back Indians Stranded Abroad

New Delhi : The Indian Navy has embarked on a “Samudra Setu” campaign as part of India’s efforts to bring Indians back home from abroad amid the changing world conditions caused by the Coronavirus. Indian Navy ships Jalashwa and Magar have been sent to the port of Maldives. In the first phase, Indians will start bringing home from here on 8 May.

The Government of India is keeping a close watch on the impact of the situation arising out of the Coronavirus epidemic on Indians living abroad. The Indian Navy has been directed to make suitable preparations for their evacuation from the sea. Currently, a list of Indian nationals to be evacuated by naval ships is being prepared. They will all be screened.

The first phase will bring 1000 people. There will be medical facilities for them onboard. Social distancing will be taken care of while bringing them. The ships from which these people are being brought have been suitably prepared for such operations. These people will be dropped in Kochi and Kerala. Here they will be assigned to the state authorities.

The operation is proceeding in close coordination with the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs and various other agencies of the Government of India and the State Governments.