With Ukraine defending itself against Russian invasion, the Modi government has stepped up efforts to evacuate Indian nationals who have become trapped in the war-torn country. Air India will dispatch two flights at 2 a.m. on Saturday to transport Indian citizens from Ukraine via Bucharest.
The Indian evacuation teams have arrived at the Romanian border, which is approximately a 12-hour drive from the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. Due to the closure of civilian airspace, Indian nationals will board flights in Bucharest to return home safely.
In the meantime, several Indian nationals have sought refuge at the Indian embassy in Kyiv. There were reports of shelling near the embassy, but no damage was done.
Ever since Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded Ukraine, the Indian government has been on its toes. The Ministry of External Affairs set up a 24×7 control room in the national capital to monitor the entire evacuation process.
The Indian embassy in Kyiv has been issuing advisories to the citizens, mostly comprising students to stay calm wherever they were, assuring them of working on an evacuation arrangement via alternative route.
Add to this, the embassy had also advised the Indian nationals to take shelter in the nearest bomb shelter or bunkers in case of shelling in the vicinity.
The external affairs ministry has also shared contact details of officials who can be approached by Indian citizens after cross the Ukrainian border with respective countries. . As flights have been suspended, entering these countries through land route by crossing the border remains the best option for Indians who want to leave Ukraine now.
On Thursday, MoS external affairs V Muraleedharan had assured families of stranded Indians that efforts were on a war-footing to bring their near and dear ones from the conflict-hit eastern European nation.
“The MEA is taking steps to bring back about 18,000 Indians including students from Ukraine. As the air space in Ukraine is closed, alternative arrangements are being made for the evacuation of Indian nationals. The central government will ensure the safety of all Indians,” the minister had said.
“All Indian students should leave Ukraine in view of the escalating military tension with Russia. In view of the uncertainties of the current situation in Ukraine, Indian nationals in Ukraine, particularly students whose stay is not essential may consider leaving temporarily,” the embassy had said.