Australian dies in India, but cause of death unclear

Authorities are investigating reports an Australian has died in India, as the nation is crippled by the coronavirus crisis.

An Australian has died in COVID-19 ravaged India but it is not yet clear if they had the virus, a committee hearing has heard.

High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell was asked at a senate committee hearing on Friday whether he was aware of any Australians who had died of COVID-19 in India while waiting to come home.

“The department is aware and providing consular assistance, in accordance with its charter, to the family of an Australian permanent resident who reportedly has died in India,” he said.

“I’m advised, owing to our privacy obligations, we won’t be providing any further comment.”

He said one of the reasons he wouldn’t make any further comment was because it was not yet clear how the person died and whether it was from COVID-19.

A healthcare worker in India as the country is in the grips of a crisis. Picture: Anindito Mukherjee/Getty Images

However, Mr O’Farrell went on to explain that India had been reporting a nightly infection rate that was “greater than the population of Canberra” and he didn’t believe “anyone can put hand on heart” and say that Australian citizens or permanent residents were not among the deaths.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne described India as the “most significant hotspot” in the world but would not elaborate on the Australian’s death.

“I don't think it's helpful to speculate and particularly out of respect for the family,” she said.

“I will receive further advice from our posts in India in relation to that, but most importantly let me extend my sympathy, and that of the government, to the family of this person.”

Earlier it was revealed three Australian states were likely to receive rescue flights from India once a travel ban on the COVID-ravaged country ends this month, but stranded Australians who test positive to the virus will not be on-board.

Marise Payne would not elaborate on the person’s death. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed on Friday that the government’s controversial India travel ban would be lifted on May 15, paving the way for Australians to board repatriation flights.

Mr Morrison confirmed returning travellers would be quarantined at the Howard Springs facility in Darwin but, after a meeting of national cabinet on Friday, said an offer had been extended to the states to receive repatriation flights.

“NSW, as well as Victoria and Queensland, indicated that they would be responding positively to that invitation. South Australia is also considering it very favourably,” Mr Morrison said.

DFAT has been contacted for comment.

There have been more than 230,000 deaths in India.