Sule urges MEA to rescue 34 stranded Indians in Iran amid coronavirus scare

NCP MP Supriya Sule has said that 34 people from Maharashtra’s Kolhapur are stranded in Iran amid the coronavirus scare, and requested External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to ensure their safe return.

She tweeted a copy of the letter to Jaishankar along with a list of names and passport details of the stranded Indians on Monday (March 2).

“Amidst the Corona Virus Crisis 34 Individuals frm Kolhapur and surrounding regions are stuck in Iran. Their names and passport details are attached,” she tweeted. “Requesting Hon. @DrSJaishankarJi to help all the Indians who are stuck abroad to return home safely @MEAIndia@meaMADAD@OfficeofUT,” she said.

Amidst the Corona Virus Crisis 34 Individuals frm Kolhapur and surrounding regions are stuck in Iran Their Names and Passport details are attached
Requesting Hon.@DrSJaishankar Ji to help all the Indians who are stuck abroad to return home safely@MEAIndia@meaMADAD @OfficeofUT pic.twitter.com/Pd6G7D5iE5

— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) March 2, 2020

The NCP leader on Tuesday thanked Jaishankar “for all the help and prompt replies always @MEAIndia”.

The NCP leader’s letter comes in the wake of India reporting two new cases of novel coronavirus, taking the number of positive cases to five. The virus, has so far killed more than 3,000 people globally.

Earlier, India had reported three cases from Kerala, including two medical students from Wuhan in China, the epicentre of the deadly novel coronavirus. They had self-reported on their return to the country and tested positive for the infection. They were discharged from hospitals last month following recovery. The novel coronavirus or COVID-19, which originated in China, has spread to over 60 countries, including the US, Italy and Iran.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Monday said India has already suspended e-visas/visas issued to Iranian and Chinese nationals over the rising number of confirmed COVID-19 patients in these countries. He said around 1,086 people who returned from Iran in recent times have been recommended for community surveillance.

(With inputs from agencies)