India on Friday urged China for immediate and time-bound assistance to 39 Indian
sailors stranded in two ships in the Chinese waters, considering the
“grave” humanitarian situation developing in the vessels, news agency PTI reported.

“We have
noted the statements of the Chinese side, expressing their willingness to
extend their assistance in this matter. We expect that this assistance will be
provided in an urgent, practical and time-bound manner, given the grave
humanitarian situation that is developing on board the ships,” Ministry of
External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

Srivastava further added that both these naval vessels have been waiting for discharge of their cargo and there is a growing stress on the crew members on account of the long delay.

“Given this
and our concern for the increasingly difficult conditions for our crew members,
these two cases are being pursued vigorously,” he said responding to a
media query on the matter.

As far as the halt is concerned, the Chinese authorities have cited various COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the local authorities as the reason for the stoppage, according to Shrivastava.

Srivastava also said that the embassies of both the nations concerned are pursuing the matter closely and are expecting an early resolution to this concern.

“Indian Embassy in Beijing is in close and continuous talks with the Chinese authorities in Beijing, Hebei and the MEA is
also following up on the matter through the Chinese Embassy here for an
early resolution.” he added.

Anurag also said that the
shipping companies have been requested to submit their plans
for a crew change at the earliest for approvals by the local Chinese authorities.

“We also
understand that MV Anastasia is exploring the possibility of a crew change at
sea at its current point of anchorage in Caofeidian. Our Embassy has yesterday
written to Chinese authorities proposing this alternative and sought approval
for the same,” he said.

According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, a bulk
cargo vessel, MV Jag Anand, has been on anchorage near Jingtang port in Hebei
province of China since June 13 and it has 23 Indian sailors on board while another ship named MV Anastasia carrying 16 Indian nationals as its crew is on anchorage near Caofeidian port in China since September 20.