This is a third trip of Indian naval ships under ‘Operation Samudra Setu’ to different countries to bring stranded nationals back home

Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa which departed from Colombo on Monday evening, carrying on board 685 Indian nationals, is expected to arrive in Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday.

Of the total 685 Indian nationals who embarked the ship, 553 are men, 125 women and seven children.

INS Jalashwa entered the port of Colombo on Monday morning and began embarkation of Indian citizens, who were already registered with the Indian Embassy in Colombo at the East Container Terminal.

The ship, on its third trip as part of Indian Navy's ‘Operation Samudra Setu’ under the aegis of Mission ‘Vande Bharat’ launched by the Indian government has been engaged in bringing Indian nationals home from foreign shores by the sea route.

All personnel were screened medically, allotted IDs and their baggage sanitized before boarding the ship.

They have been accommodated onboard the ship within specially earmarked zones to ensure proper quarantine during the voyage. Other social distancing, disinfection and safety protocols are also being strictly adhered to by the ship's crew.