The Indian Navy in the new phase of Operation Samudra Setu has started the processing of evacuating Indian citizens from Iran. Indian naval ship Shardul reached Bandar Abbas port on the southern coast of Iran today morning. After the embarkation process is completed, the ship will sail for Porbandar port in Gujarat, a PIB (Defence Wing) press statement said.

The statement said that the Indian diplomatic mission in Iran is preparing a list of Indian citizens, who will be evacuated from the Bandar Abbas port. It will also facilitate their embarkation after the requisite medical screening. On May 8, the Navy in its initial phase of Operation Samudra Setu had repatriated 2,874 Indian citizens using its ships Jalashwa and Magar from the Maldives and Sri Lanka to ports of Kochi and Tuticorin.

On the naval ship, Shardul Covid-related social distancing norms will be followed. For evacuation operation, provisions such as additional medical staff, doctors, hygienists, nutritionists, medical stores, rations, personal protective equipment, face-masks and lifesaving gear has been provided. Also, medical equipment specific to dealing with Covid-19 including innovative products developed by the Indian Navy is on onboard of the ship, the statement said.

The evacuated persons would be provided with basic amenities and medical facilities while undertaking the sea journey to Porbandar. Special isolation compartments have also been earmarked for any emergency. Given the unique challenges associated with Covid-19 including asymptomatic carriers, stringent protocols are being followed during the sea voyage. At Porbandar port, the evacuated persons will be handed over to the State authorities, the statement added.

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