Indian Navy Commences Next Phase of Operation “Samudra Setu”
Dharshana Kathiresan, INN/Chennai, @Infodeaofficial
The Defense Ministry on Saturday said that the next phase of Operation “Samudra Setu” to repatriate Indian citizens from overseas will commence on June 1.
“In this phase, Indian Navy Ship Jalashwa will repatriate 700 personnel from Colombo, Republic of Sri Lanka to Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu and subsequently repatriate another 700 personnel from Malè, Republic of Maldives to Tuticorin,” said the Ministry in a release. Indian Navy has already repatriated 1,488 Indian nationals from Malè to Kochi during the previous phase of operations from May 8, 2020 as part of Phase-1.
The ships have been suitably provisioned for the evacuation operation. “Indian Missions in Sri Lanka and Maldives are preparing a list of Indian nationals to be evacuated and will facilitate their embarkation after the requisite medical screening. COVID-related social distancing norms have been catered onboard and evacuees would be provided basic amenities and medical facilities during the sea-passage,” added the Ministry.
After disembarkation at Tuticorin the evacuated personnel will be entrusted as a responsibility to the State authorities. This operation is being progressed in close coordination with Ministries of External Affairs, Home Affairs, Health and various other agencies of the Government of India and State governments.
Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa brought 588 Indian citizens, including six pregnant mothers and 21 children on 15 May from Maldives as part of Operation Samudra Setu. The ship staff ensured completion of all formalities for the manifested passengers while observing safety and medical protocols, though the cold weather impeded the embarkation process requiring various pre-embarkation activities to be done onboard the ship.
Earlier, the Indian PM Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa on the occasion of completing 50 years since his first introduction in Parliament. The leaders discussed the health and economic impact of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic and the measures being taken in the two countries for the betterment of people.
PM Modi assured him saying that India stands ready to extend all possible support to Sri Lanka during this health crisis.
