Chinese government has been requested to look after the 10 Indian nationals who failed screening test: MEA

"There is a strict protocol for evacuation which is being followed in the midst of an outbreak of such big proportions. The ten Indians, who were willing to leave China, could not be evacuated as they failed the screening test necessary to board the flight," spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar said.

The Indian government has made specific requests to the Chinese government to monitor the health and look after the welfare and security of these Indians. "Our mission is in regular contact with them. We are continuosly exploring options to ensure their safety and well being," he said.

Asked about the Indian students stranded in China's Hubei province, which is the epicentre of the N-Coronavirus outbreak, due to financial constraints, Kumar said that the Indian mission in China had prepared the list of Indians for evacuation based on their willingness to leave China and all those who expressed the desire to leave were evacuated.

Several Indians in Wuhan and other parts of Hubei province have not showed willingness to be evacuated, he added.

The situation in other provinces, which are still uneffected by coronavirus, is being closely watched, said Kumar.

The Indian government is holding high level meetings regularly to decide on steps for the benefit of Indian citizens in China considering the seriousness of the situation.

Responding to questions on social media videos showing Pakistani students pleading India to evacuate them from China's Wuhan city, Kumar said India will evacuate Pakistani citizens subject to availability of resources if such a request is made by the Pakistani government.

Asked if India is planning to reach out to China as it fights to overcome the deadly outbreak, he said the Chinese government is dealing with the situation and help will be offered if situation arises.