NEW DELHI: India has successfully repatriated 20,473 foreign nationals to their home countries who had been stranded in India after the international travel ban kicked in in the last week of March. Addressing the daily briefing for journalists, Damu Ravi , additional secretary in MEA said this was an ongoing process involving all of government , including MEA, MHA, state governments and the civil aviation ministry.However, he indicated that Indians stranded abroad would have to shelter in place until the lockdown was lifted. This has been the government’s position from the start, asking Indians abroad to remain where they are. Ravi said Indian envoys had been in touch with those stranded “and being guided by them.”There are thousands of Indians in countries like Philippines (16000), Italy, Germany and US among others who are stranded.In addition, there are Indian crews on merchant navy and cruise ships across the world, close to 40000 according to some estimates.The government will begin repatriating them in small batches so as to not overwhelm the quarantine or hospital systems post lockdown.