<span style="color: #222222;">In the phase 8 plus of Vande Bharat Mission which started from 1st December 1.3 lakh people have been brought back. Briefing media in New Delhi, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, over 38.4 lakh people have been repatriated under the mission so far.  </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Replying to a question on Indians stuck in Chinese ports, Mr Srivastava said, bulk cargo vessel MV Jaganand is on anchorage near Jingtang port since 30th June and there are 23 Indians on board. Another vessel MV Anastasia, with 16 Indian nations on board, has been on anchorage near Caofeidian Port in China since Sept 20. They are waiting for discharge of cargo. He said, Indian embassy is in touch with Chinese authorities. Mr Srivastava said, Chinese authorities have conveyed that due to COVID-19 restrictions, crew change is not permitted from these ports.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Replying to a question on desecrated Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Washington by Khalistani elements, Mr Srivastava said, India has strongly condemned the act of vandalism against a universally respected icon of peace and justice by miscreants masquerading as protesters. He said, Indian mission has taken up this with US authorities.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">On a query about future Working Mechanism for Coordination and Consultation (WMCC) meeting between India-China, the Spokesperson said, it's our expectation that further discussion will help both sides to achieve an agreement on a mutually acceptable solution for ensuring complete disengagement in all friction areas along LAC in the Western sector and full restoration of peace and tranquility at the earliest.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">On a query on reports of 36 fishermen and 5 boats seized by the Sri Lankan Navy, Mr Srivastava said, India is in close touch with the Government of Sri Lanka. He said, Government is trying to verify this information to seek early consular access and facilitate the release of fishermen.</span><br />''