640 Indians evacuated from coronavirus-hit China in complex operation: Ministry of External Affairs

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that apart from those evacuated, 10 other Indians have indicated that they want to come back from China, but were unable to clear the health screening process.

Published: 06th February 2020 05:03 PM  |   Last Updated: 06th February 2020 05:03 PM   |  A+A A-

Indian nationals who were airlifted from coronavirus-hit Hubei province of China's Wuhan undergo tests inside a quarantine facility set by up ITBP at Chhawla area of New Delhi

Indian nationals who were airlifted from coronavirus-hit Hubei province of China's Wuhan undergo tests inside a quarantine facility set by up ITBP at Chhawla area of New Delhi. (Photo| ITBP via PTI)

By PTI

NEW DELHI: The government has evacuated 640 Indians from coronavirus-hit China and the complex operation was done with Beijing's assistance, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that apart from those evacuated, 10 other Indians have indicated that they want to come back from China, but were unable to clear the health screening process. "We are in regular contact with them and exploring all possibilities for their return," Kumar said.

He said that in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, normal visas and all existing e-visas from China that have been issued are no longer valid.