New Delhi: The Indian navy has started preparations to evacuate the Indian citizens stranded in the Gulf, where the Coronavirus is spreading rapidly. G. Ashok Kumar, Vice Admiral of the Indian navy, informed that 14 warships of the Indian navy have been kept in a state of readiness. Lockdown has been imposed in the Gulf countries to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, thousands of Indian workers from the Gulf, are keen to return to the homeland. These Indian citizens have appealed to the Indian government to make arrangements for them, to come back to the homeland. The Indian navy has apparently made these preparations in response to the appeal.
As many of the Indians are living near the coast, in the Gulf countries, warships will be the ideal mode of transport for them. Vice Admiral G. Ashok Kumar informed that four warships from the Western Command, four from the Eastern Command and three from the Southern Command, were in a state of readiness, waiting for orders to set sail. Currently, the matter is being discussed by the Defence ministry with the ministry of external affairs.
The warships will set sail on receiving green signal from the ministries. It has been reported that ‘INS Jalashwa’ and Magar-class amphibious warfare vessels are kept in a state of readiness for the operation. At the same time, the aircrafts of the Indian Airforce also have been kept ready for the evacuation operation.
The Indian citizens in the Gulf contribute to the tune of USD 65 billion, to the Indian foreign exchange reserves. But the incomes of these Indians are in jeopardy, owing to the crisis in the economies of the Gulf countries.
Related posts:
Number of Coronavirus cases in India reaches 614
WHO warning to India
As lockdown continues, Indian government eases rules allowing withdrawals from EPF accounts
West Bengal and Karnataka, along with Maharashtra announce extension of lockdown
Railways announce special trains during lockdown
Coronavirus cases in the country cross 82,000
Lockdown to continue till 31st May, Coronavirus cases in the country cross 95,000
2600 ‘Shramik Special Trains’ to run in the next 10 days
