Ensure safe return of 450 Indian fishermen, including 300 from TN, stranded in Iran : Palaniswami urges EAM

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today urged External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to take steps for safe return of 450 Indian fishermen, including 300 from TN, who were stranded in Iran due to cancellation of flights following Coronovirus outbreak.

In a Demi-Official to Dr Jaishankar, he also urged him to direct the Indian Embassy in Iran to make arrangements for their safe return to India.

In the letter, Mr Palaniswami drew the Minister's attention on the plight of around 450 fishermen from India, including 300 from Tamil Nadu, who are working in various fishing vessels berthed and operating in various ports of Iran.

He said these fishermen were reportedly stranded in Port Kish, Cheeru and other places in Iran, due to the cancellation of flights, because of the outbreak of Corona Virus in Iran.

He said the fishermen were requesting to evacuate them from Iran immediately.

''I request your good office to direct the Embassy of India in Iran to provide the required support to the fishermen and also to make arrangements for their safe and immediate return to India'', he said.