INS Jalashwa, deployed by the Indian Navy for ‘Operation Samudra Setu’, entered Tuticorin harbour with 700 Indian nationals evacuated from Male in Maldvies on Sunday.
So far INS Jalashwa has evacuated 2672 Indian citizens from Maldives and Sri Lanka to India as part of Vande Bharat Mission.
This was stated in a defence press release.
The embarkation of Indian nationals was facilitated by the Indian Mission in Maldives.
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Personnel were embarked onboard after carrying out requisite medical screening.
COVID-19 related safety protocols were also strictly adhered to during the sea-passage.
The evacuees were received by local authorities at Tuticorin and arrangements were in place for speedy disembarkation, health screening, immigration and transportation of the evacuees.
With this evacuation, the Indian Navy has now repatriated 2874 Indian nationals from the Maldives and Sri Lanka during the ongoing pandemic, the release added.