Steps Being Taken To Bring Back 18,000 Indians From Ukraine: Minister

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: The Centre’s aim is to ensure the safety of all Indians and for that, all measures are being planned, said MoS V Muraleedharan.

Thiruvananthapuram: Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan on Thursday said that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is taking steps to bring back about eighteen,000 Indians, including students, from Ukraine.
Addressing a media in Kerala’s Thrissur, the Union Minister said the Centre’s aim is to confirm the safety of all Indians and for that, every one measure are being planned.

“MEA is taking steps to bring back regarding 18,000 Indians together with students from Ukraine. The central government will guarantee the security of all Indians,” said Mr Muraleedharan.

Amid the closure of Ukrainian airspace, the Indian embassy in Kiev has said that alternative arrangements are being created for the evacuation of Indian citizens in Ukraine.

The information was conveyed through an advisory that comes within the backdrop of Russian military operations within the Donbas region of Ukraine.

The embassy said the schedule for special flights has been cancelled thanks to the closure of Ukrainian airspace.

“At the time when there was a war threat itself, we have a tendency to try to put more flights in service and bring back those willing to come back. But since the air space in Ukraine has been closed, we have stopped the measures to bring back Indians via flights. We are planning alternative measures to bring back Indians. Ministry of External Affairs has set to send additional diplomats to this area to assist the Indian embassy,” he added.

He additional urged students and parents not to panic because the Centre will be ready to make sure the security of Indians.

“I spoke to Malayali students in Ukraine on phone. Indian students in the southern areas of Ukraine have told us that they’re obtaining food, water and power. Students and parents should not panic. Our government has brought back Indians even from places like Iraq. The central government can be in a position to ensure the protection of Indians, there’s a little question concerning that. The control space has been expanded, additional phone numbers are given,” he said.

Meanwhile, leaders from a number of nations including the UK, the US, Canada and therefore the European Union have condemned Russia’s military operations in the Donbas region.