Biggest Airlift planned to return stranded Indians abroad due to Coronavirus lockdown

After the world's biggest airlift (1.7 lakh Indians evacuated from Kuwait) executed by the Indian Government during the 1990 Gulf War, this could possibly be the biggest airlift plan again by the Indian Government. The Narendra Modi Government in India has decidded to facilitate around 2.4 lakh Indian nationals stranded abroad after spread of Coronavirus and imposition of lockdown in India. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed about the development that said, "process to begin from May 7 in a phased manner."

The MHA press statement said, "The Government of India will be facilitating the return of Indian nationals stranded abroad on compelling grounds in a phased manner. The travel would be arranged by aircraft and naval ships. The Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) has been prepared in this regard.Indian Embassies and High Commissions are preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens. This facility would be made available on payment-basis. Non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel. The travel would begin in a phased manner from May 7."

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The MHA statement went on to add that the Medical screening of passengers would be done before taking the flight. During the journey, all these passengers would have to follow the Health protocols issued by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

On reaching the destination, everyone would have to register on the Aarogya Setu app. Everyone would be medically screened. After scrutiny, they would be quarantined for 14 days, either in a hospital or in an institutional quarantine on payment-basis, by the concerned State government. COVID test would be done after 14 days and further action would be taken according to health protocols.

The Ministries of External Affairs and Civil Aviation would soon share detailed information about it through their websites.State Governments are being advised to make arrangements, including for testing, quarantine and onward movement of the returning Indians in their respective States.