Cairo/New Delhi:
There is no end in sight to the unrest in Egypt where over a 100 people have been killed in the clashes which began a week ago. And in huge relief for the families of Indians living there, the government has sent a special plane to fly back its nationals from the troubled nation. (
Read: Fighter jets swoop over Cairo in show of force)
Around 300 Indians are returning to India on Monday morning by a special Air India flight from Cairo. There are about 3,600 Indians in Egypt, over 2,000 of them in Cairo.
The flight carrying Indian passengers was expected to land at 7.30 am at the Mumbai airport, but has been delayed by a few hours. More such flights are expected later this week. (
Read: US offers evacuation flights)
According to the External Affairs Ministry, arrangement for a special flight was made at the request of the Indian community in Egypt in view of the prevailing situation there.
The arrangements are being coordinated by the Indian Ambassador to Egypt R Swaminathan.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said, "The Government of India is doing everything to safeguard and we are also taking steps for those who are keen to come back to India."
New Delhi had earlier in the day said that all Indian nationals in Egypt, which is witnessing violent protests since last four days, are safe but advised its people against travelling to that country. (
Read: India issues travel advisory)
Indian embassy has also set-up a round-the-clock Control Room for information, the statement said.
Several people have been killed in the clashes and many others injured. Over 1,000 protesters were arrested across the country since the protests broke out four days ago.