#Corona : EAM S Jaishankar says is committed to safety and return of all Indians stranded in Iran

"Government is committed to the safety and return of all Indians stranded in Iran and making focused efforts for their safe return", Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday asserted while addressing the upper house of parliament. "There are over six thousand Indians in various provinces of Iran including 1100 pilgrims, 300 students and 1000 fishermen", he added.

 

 

As government started receiving information about the corona virus in Iran, direct flights between India and Iran were temporarily suspended and advisories were issued to avoid travel. The Minister said, "A team of six health officials has been deputed to Iran in order to set up testing and sampling facilities there. 108 samples were received in India on 7th March of this month. 58 Indians including 25 men, 31 women and 2 children were repatriated in special flight on 10th March", he noted.

 

The Minister said, government is working with the Iranian authorities to operate some limited commercial flights for facilitating early return of the remaining Indians after testing them. Mr. Jaishankar said, the outbreak of corona virus is being continuously monitored by the empowered group of Ministers and the Cabinet Secretary and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also overseeing all the developments and actions taken by the government.

 

Government is regularly issuing travel advisories and visa guidelines and in certain cases some e-visas and visa on arrival have been temporarily suspended. Precautionary measures are also being taken on all our land borders as well as air and sea entry points. He assured the House that all the basic amenities will be provided to the Indian who are stranded in coronavirus affected countries. Opposition members from various parties appreciated the efforts of the government and suggested suggestions with regard to safe return of the Indian stranded in Iran and Italy.