Navy begins Samudra Setu’s Iran phase to evacuate Indians

Indian Navy had launched Operation Samudra Setu to repatriate Indian citizens in second week of May. Indian Naval Ship (INS) Jalashwa and INS Magar have already evacuated 2,874 personnel from the Maldives and Sri Lanka to ports of Kochi and Tuticorin. In the next phase of Samudra Setu, Indian Naval Ship Shardul has started the evacuation of Indian citizens from 8 June 2020 from the port of Bandar Abbas, Iran to Porbandar, Gujarat. The Indian Mission in Islamic Republic of Iran has prepared a list of Indian citizens to be evacuated and will facilitate their embarkation after requisite medical screening.

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. In addition to 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 are 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 for the quarantine procedure.