INS Jalashwa brings back 687 stranded Indians from Iran

The Indian Naval vessel INS Jalashwa brought home 687 stranded Indians from Iran this morning. The amphibious naval ship docked at the VOC Port in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The ship has undertaken the humanitarian mission under the Operation Samudra Setu.

INS Jalashwa embarked from the Bandar Abbas Port in Iran in the evening last Thursday with the evacuees. They were all the Indian fishermen who were stranded due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

The humanitarian mission using the ship has been facilitated by the Indian mission and the administration in Iran. For the VOC Port in Thoothukudi, this is the fourth time a rescue ship drops its anchor with the evacuees under the Operation Samudra Setu.

The operation testifies to the varied role being played by the Defence-e Force ranging from protecting Indian maritime interests to humanitarian assistance.