New Delhi, Dec 25: "India is in constant touch with the Chinese government regarding stranded Indian ships in China's ports", said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday.

 

"Cargo vessel MV Jagannath is on anchorage near Jingtang port in China since June 13 and has 23 Indian nationals on board. Another vessel, MV Anastasia, which has 16 Indian nationals is on anchorage near the Caofeidian port in China since September 20. Both ships are waiting for discharge of cargo," MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said during the weekly virtual press conference.

 

 

 

"Our embassy in Beijing has been in constant touch with provincial and central government authorities in China in this matter. They are requesting that the ships be allowed to discharge their cargo as well as crew members be allowed to be changed," Srivastava said.

 

The spokesperson informed that the Chinese authorities have conveyed to India that due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the crew change is not permitted from these ports. He further said India has taken note of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' statement on Wednesday about the provision of necessary facilitation and assistance.

 

Speaking about the matter, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "In China, there are clear requirements on epidemic prevention and control at ports and on quarantine of crew members. These are all based on science. Local authorities have been in close communication with the Indian side. They have responded in a timely manner to the Indian side's appeals and provided necessary convenience and assistance while adhering to epidemic prevention rules."

 

However, "We also understand, however, that some other ships, which arrived after Indian ship had arrived, have actually managed to discharge cargo and leave. The reasons for this are not clear. We have also taken note of Chinese MFA statement yesterday about provision of necessary facilitation and assistance," Mr Srivastava added.

 

On the situation at Line of Actual Control (LAC), the MEA spokesperson said that the 20th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs took place on December 18. "India and China continue to maintain communication through diplomatic and military channels. The discussions have helped both the countries to enhance understanding of each other's position," he said.

 

India and China agreed to continue to work towards ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the Western sector at the earliest, the Ministry of External Affairs said.