Embassy of India
Beijing

PRESS RELEASE

The Government of India has been closely following the developments in China in the wake of the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic in December 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to President Xi Jinping, expressing our condolences at the unfortunate loss of life and committing to assist China in any way that we can within our means. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has also spoken to Foreign Minister Wang Yi on this issue.

2. The burden of the outbreak in China has been borne principally by the province of Hubei and the city of Wuhan, both of which enjoy a very special place in the hearts and minds of Indians. The Government of India has also been particularly concerned because a large number of Indian students are pursuing their education in Hubei and their families in India have been extremely concerned about their health and well-being following the outbreak of the epidemic. Responding to their desires and concerns, the Government of India had, earlier this month, mounted two evacuation flights out of Wuhan, bringing back 647 citizens and 7 foreign nationals on board Air India aircraft.

3. Given its earlier commitment to assist China in tackling the challenges posed by the outbreak and responding to a request from the Chinese side, India also mounted a relief assistance flight to Wuhan on 26 February with an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft, which brought over 15 tons of medical assistance comprising masks, gloves and other emergency medical equipment for Chinese healthcare professionals. These supplies were handed over yesterday to the Hubei Charity Federation. On its return flight to New Delhi, the aircraft also airlifted 76 Indian and 36 foreign nationals. Among the foreign nationals evacuated by India, there were citizens of seven countries: China (06), Bangladesh (23), Maldives (02), Myanmar (02), South Africa (01), Madagascar (01) and United States (01).

4. All evacuated passengers undergo 14 days quarantine on arrival in India. All those on the first two flights have tested negative for COVID-19 and have since left the quarantine facilities. The passengers on board the third flight will also undergo similar quarantine on arrival in India.

5. The Embassy of India, Beijing remains in touch with those Indian nationals who have decided to stay back in Hubei province. It also continues to remain contactable 24x7 to all Indian nationals in China on two hotline numbers +8618610952903 & +8618612083629 and the dedicated email - helpdesk.beijing@mea.gov.in. Indian nationals in need of any assistance may get in touch with the Embassy on these hotlines and email. Indian nationals may also follow Embassys social media pages and notifications on its website www.eoibeijing.gov.in.

6. Embassy of India, Beijing expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, the Foreign Affairs Office of the Hubei province, the airport and transport authorities in Wuhan and the concerned universities for their facilitation of the three airlifts from Wuhan. We wish the Chinese people all success in overcoming this challenge and will continue to stand by them.

27 February 2020
Beijing