India evacuates stranded citizens from two coronavirus-hit nations

Sampson Gaddah
Posted by Sampson Gaddah March 15, 2020
Last Updated:March 15, 2020

blank

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday informed that 234 Indians, who were stranded in coronavirus-hit Iran, have been evacuated to India.

“234 Indians stranded in Iran have arrived in India; including 131 students and 103 pilgrims. Thank you Ambassador Dhamu Gaddam and @India_in_Iran team for your efforts. Thank Iranian authorities,” Jaishankar tweeted.

The evacuees were brought to Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer and they are being quarantined at the Indian Army Wellness Centre here.

This is the third batch of Indians from Iran that arrived early Sunday. The second batch of 44 Indian pilgrims had arrived from Iran on Friday.

On the other hand, 218 people from Italy’s Milan landed in Delhi on Sunday. They include 211 students and 7 compassionate cases who were evacuated through an Air India flight.

“218 Indians including 211 students from Milan landed in Delhi. All will be quarantined for 14 days. GoI is committed to reach out to Indians in distress, wherever they are! Appreciate Govt. of Italy for their support and team @IndiainItaly @cgmilan1 @airindiain,” tweeted V Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs.

After China, Italy is worst affected from COVID-19 and has recorded 17,660 infections and 1,266 deaths from the virus. The government has imposed sweeping lockdown measures which have left millions virtually confined to their homes and shut down large parts of the economy.

Flights and in and out from the country have also been put on hold as countries across the world impose travel restrictions.

On Saturday, an Air India special flight took off from Delhi at around 4:30 pm for Milan to evacuate people from there.

Earlier, the Indian embassy in Rome said a large number of Indian students and families have been lining up to get tested for COVID-19.

Also Read:
Pistons Star Christian Wood Tests Positive For Coronavirus