Australia this week banned arrivals from India as it seeks to keep out the coronavirus
Australia this week banned arrivals from India as it seeks to keep out the coronavirus AFP / PETER PARKS

A Sydney businessman has died of COVID-19 after being trapped in India following Australia’s decision to ban citizens from returning home.

Govind Kant, 47, died on Sunday of the coronavirus following a trip to Delhi in April. Kant died in a hospital in the Indian city, his employer confirmed in a statement.

"We have lost a dear friend and valued colleague. Trina Solar Australia assistant director, Govind Kant, has passed away after contracting the coronavirus in India," Trina Solar Australia said in a LinkedIn post. Kant served an assistant director in the company.

"Govind, who was based in Sydney for Trina Solar, had returned to India for personal reasons. Unfortunately, Govind contracted the virus in India and has passed away.”

Kant is believed to be the second Australian to die of COVID-19 in India amid the travel ban imposed by the government following the surge in cases. While the three-week ban ended on Saturday, 9,000 Australians remain stranded in the country, BBC reported.

Kant reportedly flew to India in March following the death of his mother. Kant was due for a flight back to Australia in late April but contracted the virus. He was admitted to a hospital in Delhi.

Kant’s sister told Nine News that he kept saying “get me out of here” as she struggled in the hospital.

In a statement, Foreign Minister Marise Payne expressed his condolences to the family of Kant. Payne said the government will be providing consular assistance to his family.

"It is tragic and my heart goes out to his family. It is such a very difficult time in India," Payne said, ABC noted

"It's a very difficult environment to operate in, but we're working very hard to assist those Australians who wish to return to Australia."

In April, the Scott Morrison government imposed a total travel ban on flights to and from India as COVID-19 cases in the Asian country continued to soar. The decision was met with anger as many Australians felt the government was abandoning its citizens in the worst time.

Morrison defended his decision, saying the travel restrictions were to “ensure we can prevent the virus coming back.”