NEW DELHI: The government will collect samples of nearly 1,500 Indians who are visiting Iran primarily for pilgrimage and these will be brought for tests at local laboratories to prevent spread of coronavirus. Sources said though there was a suggestion that testing labs for coronavirus (COVID 19) be set up in Iran, but it was found that the process may take long. “Proposal to collect and bring the samples were found more viable option,” said an official.TOI has learnt that Iran wants the Indian government to allow its national airlines to resume operation considering that many Iranians staying or visiting India are keen to return home and samples collected from Indians in Iran can also be transported in these flights.The issue came up during the meeting of the Group of Ministers on Wednesday. Officials said Indian pilgrims in Iran recently visited the holy city of Qom They said about 500 pilgrims are in Qom, and nearly 1,000 are in different parts of Iran. Officials said since those infected with communicable diseases are not allowed to travel, India will allow only those with negative report to come back though they too would be quarantined for 15 days.Union health minister Dr Harsvardhan told reporters that India is keen to set up testing lab for coronavirus in Iran. He said one scientist had already left for Iran and more will follow.