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While the Navy has conducted several evacuations of Indian nationals and HADR missions in the past, the one being carried out now is even more difficult given the risk it poses to ship crews and the naval fraternity, by extension. Could you tell us how this was taken into account in the planning of Op SamudraSetu?
The Indian Navy has considerable experience and has played a very important role in numerous evacuation operations in the past. Op Blossom in 2011, to evacuate some 15,000 stranded Indians from Libya to Malta; Op Rahat in 2015 to evacuate around 5,000 from Yemen; Op Nistar to bring back the stranded fishermen from Socotra; These are all recent examples of evacuation operations undertaken by the Indian Navy.
Also read: “Samudra Setu” posed unique challenges
Of course, this time, it was very different. We had to guarantee the safety of the crew and the evacuees. In any case, since our operational deployments are fully activated, the commandos have implemented numerous steps to guarantee the safety of the crew. The crew remains as a unit for 14 days in port before the ship is deployed and proper inspection is performed.
The fact that we have not had a single case on board any ship is a credit to these measures that have been implemented. In addition, to address the safety of evacuees, relevant areas on board ships have been thoroughly disinfected, additional medical equipment and medical personnel have been shipped, capacity has been streamlined to ensure necessary security measures, such as distancing social, on board isolation facilities were created in any case COVID-19 symptoms should be noted during the step, etc. Additional paramedic training performed for our staff will also be helpful in an emergency. We hope we have done enough to ensure the safety of everyone, both the crew and the evacuees.
Also read: Indian naval ship arrives in Kochi with evacuees from the Maldives
How has the deployment of the mission helped in the logistics of the operation?
As you know, the Indian Navy adopted the concept of Mission Based Deployments in 2017. Our ships have maintained a continuous presence in several major regions of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This has helped us not only to gather a comprehensive awareness of the maritime domain, but it has also helped us to initiate foreign cooperation initiatives with all our friendly foreign countries, to react instantly to any situation in development of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR ), advance joint EEZ patrols, Coordinated Patrols (CORPAT), etc., thereby enhancing the ability of the Indian Navy to quickly address non-traditional threats, and our status as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ for all of our friends at the IOR. Therefore, the logistical support for regular extended deployments, and the developed familiarity of the entire IOR, is very helpful in performing such operations. In any case, sustenance and prolonged presence in any area is the strength of our Navy. Of course, as I said before, the challenges we faced this time around were very different and unique, due to the specific COVID requirements we had to meet.
What were the specific and unique challenges posed by this evacuation mission?
Before your arrival in Male, Jalashwa’s crew had undergone mandatory quarantine. The ship, the second largest in the Navy, also had HADR and COVID protection for 1,000 people, in addition to other medical stores. He took on additional medical personnel and installed disinfectant mist sprayers at the point of entry and UV disinfection in stores. Disinfection teams were created and social distancing protocols were implemented. The crew to handle the evacuees separated from those involved in the operations. Separate accommodation was arranged for women, children and the elderly. Protocols were developed for boarding, baggage disinfection and for daily medical examination and social distancing during travel. Evacuees were comfortable with entertainment facilities, regular medical check-ups, and permission to walk on the flight deck during designated hours.
Also read: Seat for the return of stranded Indians
Could you tell us the scope of the operation? Is it going to be going for some time since the pandemic shows no signs of diminishing?
The Indian Navy is always ready and prepared to meet such requirements for the nation. The scope of Op SamudraSetu will depend on the number of citizens requiring evacuation. This is being resolved by various organs of our government. We are ready to deploy more ships and also to make a series of trips as the situation requires. As we continue to hope for the best, we are ready for the worst.
Will the Navy also transport the islanders home to L&M stranded in Kochi?
Yes. The Indian Navy is fully prepared and ready to undertake any movement of personnel, whether from abroad to India or within India, as ordered by the Government of India.
Finally, when will they send evacuation ships to the Persian Gulf, which has a sizeable Indian diaspora? Could you give details?
The Indian Navy is ready for the repatriation of people from any country. Our boats are ready. The call, about when and from where, once taken, the Indian navy will execute the plan.
