Ministry of External Affairs brings back 647 willing Indians to safety from China

New Delhi, Feb 6 (HS): The Ministry of External Affairs has said on Thursday that all the Indians who were willing to come back to India, have been evacuated out of the coronavirus hit China. As many as 647 Indians and seven Maldives nationals have been evacuated from different cities of China. MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a conference here on Thursday the Ministry has been regularly keeping a close eye on the coronavirus and has taken extensive and preliminary steps following the corona virus outbreak in China. While paying thanks to China for its cooperation and support during evacuation campaign, the Ministry’s spokesperson said that Indians in Wuhan and surrounding areas having no symptoms of the disease have been brought back to India. He said that the Indian citizens have been advised not to go to China amid spreading of coronavirus over there. The e-visa facility to travel from China to India has also been suspended for the time being. However, in case of urgency, the people could contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate in China. Ravish Kumar said that India was ready to extend all possible support to combat the coronavirus, if China would ask. In response to a question about Pakistani citizens seeking assistance in China evacuation from India, Kumar said that if Pakistan asks for assistance, India will take a decision in this regard considering its resources.Replying to a question regarding evacuation of Pakistani citizens from coronavirus hit China, Kumar said that India would look into the matter depending upon the availability of the resources provided Pakistan asks us. Hindusthan Samachar/Manish