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India's latest plan for Ukraine evacuation as Russia offensive continues
Nearly 16,000 Indians are in Ukraine that was attacked by Russia on Thursday as Moscow began a full-scale invasion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Russia's Vladimir Putin in a late-night call to discuss the safety concerns.
India is working on chalking out evacuation routes for citizens in Ukraine from Hungary and Romania, the government said on Friday. Nearly 16,000 Indians are in Ukraine that was attacked by Russia on Thursday as Moscow began a full-scale invasion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Russia's Vladimir Putin in a late-night call to discuss the safety concerns.
Indian nationals, especially students, living closest to the border points are advised to depart first, an official statement by the Indian Embassy in Budapest said. “At present, teams are getting in place at these checkpoints- CHOP-ZAHONY Hungarian border near Uzhhorod, PORUBNE-SIRET Romanian Border near Chernivtsi," it added.
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“Once above routes are operational, Indian nationals - travelling by their own arrangements for transport - would be advised to proceed to above border checkpoints, and remain in touch with the helpline numbers set up at respective checkpoints for facilitation through the border,” the statement underlined.
The citizens have been told to carry their passport, cash (preferably US dollars) for emergency expenses and other essentials and a certificate of double vaccination against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
The strengthened demands for evacuation of Indian nationals come as several states - including Maharashtra, Karnataka and Haryana - requested the centre for the safe return of their fellow residents.
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The government, meanwhile, said on Thursday that the safety and evacuation of its nationals stranded in the Ukraine is the first priority. Some other arrangements made included sending Russian speaking officials to the embassy in Kyiv and they were being deployed in neighbouring countries as well.
In late night calls, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar got in touch with his counterparts as India chalks out land evacuation routes from Slovakia Republic, Poland apart from Hungary and Romania.
Ukraine's airspace has been closed amid Russia offensive. The government establishments and defence bases have come under attack in the country.
