Strengthen diplomatic outreach and be ready with repatriation preparedness: Siddaramaiah

Expressing “profound concern regarding the rapidly escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia”, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen diplomatic outreach and be ready with a repatriation preparedness framework.

Multiple countries across West Asia have declared airspace restrictions, and these developments have resulted in a large number of Kannadigas and other Indian nationals being stranded, particularly in major transit hubs such as UAE, he pointed out in a letter to the Prime Minister on Monday.

Enhance engagement

While Mr. Siddaramaiah pointed out at earlier requests from Karnataka for appropriate repatriation measures and coordination with airlines for flexible rescheduling, waivers of penalties and interim support to passengers, he urged Mr. Modi to enhance engagement through Indian embassies to ensure continuous monitoring, protection and guidance for Kannadigas and other Indian nationals.

Co-ordination mechanism

The Karnataka Chief Minister urged the Centre to be preparedness to initiate priority evacuation or special repatriation flights, should circumstances so require, to facilitate safe and timely return of stranded citizens.

He urged for the establishment of inter ministerial dedicated national coordination mechanism, integrated registration and information system and passenger protection protocol to extend flexibility in travel schedules, waiver additional charges and provide humanitarian assistance.