As many as three Indian Navy warships have sailed out in a bid to bring back stranded Indian citizens from the Maldives and United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Defence Spokesperson confirmed the news on Tuesday.
As per the Indian Navy, the warships include the likes of INS Jalashwa, INS Magar and INS Shardul.
“INS Jalashwa deployed at sea, off Mumbai along with INS Magar diverted for the Maldives. INS Shardul also at sea diverted to Dubai, for getting expatriates,” said Commander Sridhar Warrier, Defence Spokesperson.
It is to be noted that INS Jalashwa had sailed from Visakhapatnam a few days ago from the east coast to the west coast.
So far, a sum of 14 warships have been readied for rescuing the Indian citizens who are stranded in the Gulf and other countries.
This significant step comes as India continues to be under a COVID-19-imposed lockdown till May 17.
“The government has been closely monitoring the situation with respect to effect of COVID-19 pandemic on our citizens abroad. The Indian Navy has been directed to make suitable preparations for their evacuation by sea,” Commander Vivek Madhwa was quoted as saying by news agency IANS.