Some 345 fishermen returned home to India on Saturday, April 4, after weeks of being stranded in war-torn Iran.
This includes 327 fishermen from Tamil Nadu
and about 20 from Kerala, Puducherry, Gujarat and Odisha who made the 20-hour journey from Armenia after escaping Iran, PTI reported.
Their return was part of a coordinated repatriation effort for which "MEA officials worked day and night" under the leadership of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"Today is a joyous day…we warmly welcome all our fisherman brothers and sisters," BJP leader Piyush Goyal said.
Upon their arrival, the fishermen were given food, clothing, and other essential amenities. Special buses were also arranged from Chennai airport to their respective villages.
When Indians are in distress anywhere in the world, our government, led by PM @NarendraModi ji, steps in and brings them back home safely. pic.twitter.com/9kRDawzMxi
Sources told PTI that the BJP spent ₹3.25 crore to ensure their safe return as the fishermen's family members have been seeking government support to rescue them.
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