What is Vande Bharat mission?

Vande Bharat mission is the massive repatriation operation planned by the Indian government to bring back stranded Indians in different parts of the world in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

• • In the first phase that started on May 7, more than 60 “non-scheduled, commercial” flights will operate from about 12 countries to bring back 15,000 citizens. 
  • The second phase of the Vande Bharat mission in the third week of May is expected to cover European nations.
  • Citizens in distress will be brought back on commercial aircraft and naval ships based on lists prepared by India’s embassies.
  • The Navy has named its evacuation effort ‘Operation Samudra Setu’.
  • Indian Navy’s INS Jalashwa and INS Magar are operating to bring back Indian citizens from the Maldives while INS Shardul and INS Airavat set sail to the UAE.
  • Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express will operate 64 flights to bring back stranded Indians from 12 countries.

The passengers have to pay the cost of travel.

• Criteria for passengers: Those who fit the parameters include people facing deportation, migrant workers who have been laid off, short-term visa holders, people with medical emergencies, pregnant women, elderly persons, a person who has lost a near one, tourists and students whose colleges and hostels are shut.

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