New Delhi. India is in the process of finalizing a contingency plan to evacuate its citizens from Ukraine, amid the situation arising out of Russian President Vladimir Putin launching a military operation against Ukraine. Amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the European Union has turned to India to contribute to the resolution of this ‘grave situation’. Several high-level meetings were held at the top level of the government dealing with strategic affairs amid the stranded around 20,000 Indians in Ukraine, in which a contingency plan was discussed to help the Indians.
After Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a military operation in Ukraine, Russian forces launched strikes in several areas in central and eastern Ukraine. This was strongly condemned by the US and allies. At the same time, alternate routes are being activated to bring back Indians, especially students, in view of the closure of Ukraine’s airspace for civilian aircraft.
India’s Ambassador to Ukraine Partha Satpathy, in a message to Indians in Ukraine, said the situation is “highly tense and very uncertain” and is causing great concern. He said that the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy are working on a ‘mission mode’ to find a solution to this difficult situation. He said, “I am contacting you from Kiev. This morning we all woke up with the news that Ukraine was under attack. The situation is extremely tense and very uncertain and it is certainly causing a lot of anxiety.”
As airspace has been blocked, roads choked and trains services disrupted I advise all Indian citizens to stay wherever they are in their normal area of habitation, and those in transit should go back to normal areas: Partha Satpathy, Ambassador of India to Ukraine pic.twitter.com/TOZLv63l9y
— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2022
The ambassador said, “The airspace is closed, the railway schedule is uncertain and the roads are congested. I request everyone to remain calm and face the situation with patience.” Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday discussed the “serious situation” in Ukraine with the European Union’s (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell. He tweeted, “Received a call from EU HRVP Josef Borrell. Discussed the dire situation in Ukraine and how India can contribute to the effort to reduce tensions.
At the same time, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine, in its latest advisory, has told Indians living there that due to martial law in Ukraine, movement is difficult at present and people hearing sirens and bomb warnings should reach the nearest bomb shelter. .
“As you know, there is martial law in Ukraine which has made movement difficult,” the advisory said. It said that the embassy is in touch with establishments to make arrangements for their stay for such students who are stranded in Kiev. “We are aware that air sirens and bomb warnings are being heard at certain locations,” the advisory said. If you are facing such a situation, Google Maps has details of the nearest bomb rescue shelters, many of which are located in the underground metro.”
It said, “However, the Embassy is exploring possible solutions in view of the situation, be alert and safe about things around you and do not leave your homes unless necessary.” Keep your documents with you at all times.
India’s ambassador to Ukraine said, “The airspace is closed, railway schedules are uncertain and roads are congested. I request everyone to remain calm and face the situation with patience.”
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He said that the Indian Embassy in Kiev is open and its work is going on. On the other hand, Ukraine’s Ambassador to India Igor Polikha said that India has special relations with Russia and can play a more active role to normalize the situation. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the few leaders whom Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to and New Delhi can use this proximity with Moscow to bring the situation under control. The envoy said Ukraine was watching India’s stand on the crisis and was “deeply dissatisfied” with it.
Sources said that additional Russian-speaking officers are being sent to the Indian embassy in Ukraine, and they are being deployed in neighboring countries. Sources said that the Indian Embassy in Ukraine is functioning and its advisories should be followed carefully. “Work is on to implement the contingency plan,” a source said. He said that India is focusing on measures to help its citizens especially students from this Eastern European country. Official sources said India is closely monitoring the “rapidly changing” situation in Ukraine and is focusing on how to help Indians.
“We are closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation. Our entire focus is on the safety and security of Indian citizens, especially students.
Sources said the control room set up by the Ministry of External Affairs a few days ago is being expanded and is being made operational on a 24-hour basis. Special aircraft are unlikely to be sent to bring back Indians, including Indian Embassy staff, as Ukraine’s airspace has been closed.
“The government is focusing on ways to help Indians there,” sources said. Meetings are being held at various levels on this subject. The situation in Ukraine worsened when Russian President Putin announced a military operation against Ukraine. This has raised concerns about the possibility of a full-fledged military conflict between the two countries. At the same time, Ukrainian President Blodimir Zelensky said that this attack could start a big war in Europe. (agency)