Following the outbreak of COVID-19 and suspension of international travel by most of the countries across the globe, large numbers of Indian nationals were stranded in various countries. In order to evacuate these stranded Indian nationals and to get them back to India, the Government of India has launched an operation titled ‘Vande Bharat Mission’.
The Embassy of India, Phnom Penh facilitated the repatriation of 154 stranded Indian nationals by Air India flight operated under ‘Vande Bharat Mission’ on June 25th, 2021. This is the fifth such repatriation flight organized by the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh. Nationals who traveled back include individuals facing financial hardships due to loss of their means of livelihood due to prevailing pandemic situation, as well as some having health issues and family issues requiring their urgent presence along with their families back home in India.
Indian Ambassador to Cambodia, Dr. Devyani Khobragade was present at Phnom Penh International airport during the operation. The Embassy of India in Phnom Penh appreciates the gesture of the Royal Government of Cambodia for facilitating this flight which has alleviated the suffering faced by many stranded Indian nationals. The government of India also reciprocated by repatriated 75 stranded Cambodians from India to Cambodia as a humanitarian measure.
The Embassy of India in Phnom Penh is thankful gratitude for the cooperation extended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Interior, State Secretariat of Civil Aviation of Royal Government of Kingdom of Cambodia, and Airport Authorities for smooth facilitation of the flight.
The Embassy of India in Phnom Penh also appreciates the measure of the lifting of a temporary ban on buffalo meat exports from India in the absence of evidence that frozen meat can contain COVID-19.
Both measures are a testimonial to the cordial and deep friendship shared by India and Cambodia and indicate our commitment to strengthen the bilateral relations between both countries.
Source: Embassy of India, Phnom Penh
