PM Modi interacts with Ukraine evacuation stakeholders, hails patriotic fervour

Representatives of the Indian community and private sector in Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Hungary spoke about their experiences of being part of the evacuation during the interaction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday virtually interacted with stakeholders involved in “Operation Ganga”, which evacuated about 23,000 Indians and 147 nationals of 18 countries from Ukraine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with stakeholders involved in Ukraine evacuation, through video conferencing, in New Delhi. (PTI)

Representatives of the Indian community and private sector in Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Hungary spoke about their experiences of being part of the evacuation during the interaction. They also listed the challenges they faced and expressed satisfaction at having contributed to a “complex humanitarian operation”, the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

Modi expressed his appreciation for Indian community leaders, volunteer groups, companies, private individuals and government officials who worked for the success of the operation.

“He praised the patriotic fervour, the sense of community service, and the team-spirit displayed by all stakeholders involved in Operation Ganga,” the statement said. Modi especially praised various community organisations, pointing out that their “selfless service exemplifies the Indian civilisational values that they continue to embody even in foreign shores”.

Speaking about efforts made by the government to ensure the safety of Indian nationals during the crisis, Modi recalled his personal interactions with the leaders of Ukraine and its neighbouring countries and expressed gratitude for the support received from all foreign governments.

Reiterating the high priority that the government attaches to the safety of Indians abroad, the Prime Minister said the country has “always acted with alacrity to assist its citizens during any international crisis”.

“Guided by India’s age-old philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, India has also extended humanitarian support to nationals of other countries during emergencies,” the statement said.