Navy ships to assist evacuation from Yemen

The Indian Navy's new vice chief P. Murugesan on Tuesday said the navy will assist in evacuation of Indians from Yemen.

After taking charge at a glittering ceremony held at the South Block lawns on Tuesday, Vice Admiral Murugesan told reporters that the two warships sent to Djibouti Port will provide anti-piracy assistance besides bringing Indians back.

Vice Admiral Murugesan said several agencies are participating in the operations.

"Evacuation is going to be through sea and air route, and several agencies like the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force (IAF) and Air India are going to participate," Vice Admiral Murugesan said.

"The Indian naval ships will go and evacuate people as well as provide anti-piracy escort duties to the various assets deployed for the operation," the vice admiral said.

Two ships of the Indian Navy, destroyer INS Mumbai and stealth frigate INS Tarkash, have left Mumbai for Yemen.

According to the external affairs ministry, nearly 4,000 Indians are stranded in Yemen.

At the ceremony on Tuesday, the vice admiral was received by Vice Admiral S.K Jha, Chief Hydrographer and Commodore V.K Garg, and the station commander of Delhi. A ceremonial guard of honour was accorded to him.

Vice Admiral Murugesan joined the navy in January 1979.