The Indian Navy will start the next phase of Operation Samudra Setu to repatriate stranded Indian citizens from overseas from June 1, it said on Saturday.

The Indian citizens were stranded due to lockdown imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19.

In this phase, Indian Navy ship Jalashwa will repatriate 700 personnel from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, and subsequently repatriate another 700 personnel from Male, Republic of Maldives, to Tuticorin.

The Navy has already repatriated 1,488 Indian nationals from Male to Kochi during the previous phase of operations.

Indian missions in Sri Lanka and Maldives are preparing a list of Indian nationals to be evacuated and will facilitate their embarkation after requisite medical screening.

COVID-related social distancing norms have been catered onboard and evacuees would be provided basic amenities and medical facilities during the sea-passage.

After disembarkation at Tuticorin, the evacuated personnel will be entrusted to the care of state authorities. This operation is progressing in close coordination with Ministries of External Affairs, Home Affairs, Health and various other agencies of India and state governments.