core sector communique

Statement by MOS Smt Preneet Kaur in Rajya Sabha on the evacuation of Indian nationals from Libya

Following is the text of the Statement by MOS Smt Preneet Kaur in Rajya Sabha on the evacuation of Indian nationals from Libya:

I rise to share with the house information on the efforts undertaken by the Ministry of External Affairs and other GOI Ministries and Departments, to assist in the evacuation of Indian nationals from Libya.

In view of the disturbed conditions in Libya, the Government of India took the decision to relocate Indian nationals out of Libya and assist in their return home The first special flight of Air India left Libya on February 26. Since then, an air bridge has been established between Tripoli and Delhi.

By the end of the day today, 9,209 Indian nationals would have been evacuated out of Libya, including 1,450 out of Tripoli and Sehba by Air India flights. We expect to complete the exercise of evacuating all those desirous of leaving Libya by March 10. It may be noted that some Indian nationals have opted to stay on Libya.

A passenger ship, Scotia Prince, has also ferried 1,188 Indians from Benghazi to Alexandria in Egypt from where they arrived in Mumbai and Delhi by special flights organized by the Government yesterday and early this morning. The ship turned around from Alexandria last night at 2330 hrs for Benghazi, from where we are coordinating the transport of another 1,150 of our nationals back to India via Alexandria. The ship will dock at Benghazi early morning tomorrow.

As we speak, a passenger ship, Red Star One, is also on its way to Misurata and Sirte to ferry Indian nationals to Malta from where special flights are being arranged out of Valletta to bring them back. An air bridge is also being put in place from late tonight between Sehba and India and we hope to evacuate about 2000 Indian nationals from there over the next 5 days, beginning today.

We have confirmed reports that 750 or so Indian nationals from Kufra in South East Libya have reached Benghazi by the land route. They will now be picked up by the passenger vessel en route to Benghazi.

A large number of Indian nationals have crossed the Libyan border into Tunisia and Egypt. They have been assisted at the border by Indian Embassy officials to be issued travel documents, temporarily housed in hotels and other shelters and provided assistance for their return to India by commercial and special flights. Similar assistance has also been provided by our Missions to Indian who managed to reach other countries such as Malta, Greece, Gulf States etc.

We have taken special care, in association with the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, that returning passenger to India are facilitated at Delhi and Mumbai airports. At the Delhi airport a special terminal has been made available for the returnees, who are being met by the concerned company representatives and assisted by officials of the respective State Governments, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.

An IAF IL 76 aircraft has been stationed in Cairo to undertake possible evacuation operations from Libya. A second IL 76 aircraft has also been put on readiness to be dispatched as and when the need arises. Two ships of the Indian Navy – INS Jalashwa and INS Mysore are en route and are expected to be in the region by March 8 to assist in the evacuation operations of any Indians that might still be in the coastal towns of Libya.

As part of the effort to ensure the safe and orderly evacuation of Indian nationals from Libya, External Affairs Minister spoke to his Libyan counterpart on March 2. The Libyan Foreign Minister assured EAM that all Libyan authorities concerned would extend every possible assistance for this purpose.

As assured by EAM, the cost towards evacuation of Indians from Libya assisted by Government in their safe and orderly return to India is being met by the Government.

Hon’ble members are aware of the complicated situation in Libya. The security of Indian nationals and their safe return to India is Government’s foremost priority. Despite considerable logistical challenges the Government has put in place a well coordinated operation ‘safe home coming’ to bring home our nationals in the quickest and safest manner possible. I hope the house will join me I extending support to all those involved in this operation for the safe return of Indian nationals from Libya.