RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1364
TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.09.2020
EVACUATION OF INDIAN CITIZENS DURING THE CORONA PANDEMIC
1364. SHRI SUJEET KUMAR :
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) how many people were brought back to India during the Corona Pandemic;
(b) the countries in which India was not able to evacuate during the Corona pandemic along with the reasons therefor and the future plan of action; and
(c) whether there are any Indian citizens who still need to be evacuated?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]
(a) to (c) As on 16 September 2020, more than 14,47,481 stranded Indian nationals have returned to India under the Vande Bharat Mission including from remote areas in the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa. As per information provided by the Missions, many
people who have registered may no longer wish to return. Moreover, as per latest guidelines of India, passengers are no longer required to register for Air Bubble flights. Most people with compelling reasons have safely returned to their homes by air, land
and sea. Since Phase 6 of the Vande Bharat Mission is ongoing with more flights added, including chartered flights and under bilateral Air Bubble agreements with various countries, it is possible for Indian nationals to return at their convenience.
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