Over 1.07 lakh Indians returned to India after launch of Vande Bharat mission: MEA

Over 1.07 lakh stranded Indians have returned to country from abro since government launched 'Vande Bharat' evacuation mission on May 7, Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.

It said government has started preparation for third phase of mission after completion of second phase of evacuation on June 13.

"Around 38,000 persons are expected to be repatriated under this phase in 337 international flights from 31 countries," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

In first phase of mission from May 7 to 15, government evacuated around 15,000 people from 12 countries. second phase of evacuation mission was scheduled from May 17 to 22. However, government has extended it till June 13.

Air India has operated 103 flights under second phase to bring back stranded Indian nationals from abro, Srivastava said, ding Indian Navy has also me sorties to bring back Indians from Sri Lanka and Maldives.

"After commencement of Vande Bharat mission on May 7, a total of 454 flights, including foreign carriers, have brought back stranded Indians. As of date, 1,07,123 Indians have returned," he said.

Those who have returned to India included 17,485 migrant workers, 11,511 students and 8,633 professionals. He said over 32,000 Indians have returned through land border checkpoints from Nepal, Bhutan and Banglesh.

A total of 3,48,565 people registered requests with Indian missions for repatriation to India on compelling grounds.

As per government's policy for evacuation, Indians having "compelling reasons" to return like pregnant women, elderly people, students and those facing prospect of deportation are being brought back home.

MEA spokesperson said third phase will cover more sectors and will create ditional hubs in remote regions. 

(Photo Credit: PTI)