Navy prepares INS Jalashwa and 2 more largest warships evacuate stranded Indians from Gulf countries

New Delhi, April 29: In order to evacuate the Indian citizens from the Gulf countries, if required, the Indian Navy is preparing its landing platform dock warship INS Jalashwa and two Magar-class amphibious tank landing ships (LSTs).

 

 

It is reported that the INS Jalashwa is based out of Vishakhapatnam and the Magar class warships are deployed under the Kochi-based Southern Naval Command. The Indian Navy and Air India have been asked to be on standby with their aircraft and warships for the mass evacuation of Indians from Gulf countries as COVID-19 pandemic continues.

 

The Jalashwa, apart from its crew, can carry 1,000 troops however after social distancing, it can evacuate about 850 people. The two LSTs can carry several hundred people apart from the crew. Meanwhile, the warships are on standby mode and would be ready to move after the orders are issued if the idea of Air India evacuating them is opposed.

 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has already started consultations with the States and Union Territories (UT) for the necessary arrangements to start the process.

 

This comes as India has suspended international flights travel till May 3 given the lockdown as the country continues to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

 

There are thousands of Indians, who are stranded in Gulf countries, have expressed willingness to come back to India however are unable to come due to the suspension of air operations and other modes of travel during the lockdown.