Naval flotilla awaits green signal to evacuate Indians from Gulf

A 10-ship Indian Navy flotilla is being readied for evacuation of Indians from the Gulf. Though the government's green signal has not come, the Navy has begun readying its ships for the journey. Considering the number of people likely to be moved, aircraft will have to be pressed into service as well. These could be a mix of civilian and military aircraft. The Navy's largest warship, INS Jalashwa, an LPD or Landing Dock Platform, is likely to move from Vishakhapatnam either today or tomorrow. It will take three to four days to reach Mumbai. It will be able to carry 850 people, keeping in mind social distancing and may be a few more. Six of the Navy's LSTs are also likely to be pressed into service. The other two are being refitted. Each one can hold about 400 people. There are two each in Vishakhapatnam, Port Blair and Cochin. Besides, there is a plan to move a destroyer and a couple of frigates out of Mumbai, though the final configuration is still being worked out. This could give the Navy the ability to pull out 4,000 people at one time. Of course, people who really need to return, whether they have no jobs, their work permits have expired or there is a family emergency, will get first priority. The ships are likely to dock in Dubai and Muscat but other ports like Doha and perhaps, Chabahar are options too. The big decision that is yet to be taken is when the evacuation could begin. At this point, it could take a few days for the ships to be ready, with medical personnel and equipment. That process is going on. Importantly, the states have to be ready for picking up people. And a green signal could happen post May 3.